Motorists reminded: Closed means closed

Motorists who attempt to get through the closure of local roads and state highways are reminded that “closed means closed” by Tairawhiti Roads journey manager Helen Harris

State Highway 2 North from Whakarau Road to Opotiki will remain closed overnight and will be reassessed at 9am tomorrow.

Tiniroto to Frasertown will also remain closed overnight and the entire Motu road between Matawai and Opotiki.

Manned closures and barriers are in place at all sites but some motorists are still attempting to get through, putting themselves and others at risk.

Gisborne Police Senior Sergeant Maui Aben reports there have been no major incidents but a two wheel drive van travelling Tiniroto Road this morning had crashed into a ditch.

The driver was unhurt. A road contractor tried to pull the van out with a grader and got stuck as well so another truck was needed to pull them both out.

“If you’re out driving these roads you’re putting yourself and others at risk.”

Contractors and staff from Tairawhiti Roads and Gisborne Police have been working through the day to keep at least one lane open on State Highway 2 heading south between Gisborne and Wairoa.

The highway was reported to close at 4pm today but now will remain open overnight with grit being laid and the road monitored overnight.

“If the weather does worsen we will make the decision to close it, but at this stage both lanes from Bartlett’s Hill to Morere will be open.”

The advice is to drive to winter conditions and reduce speed as the roads are still very icy in most places.

Contractors are working hard to clear roads as linemen from Eastland Network attempt to reach several areas still without power.

The number of reported faults has slowed but anyone that comes across downed lines are advised to treat them as ‘live’.

Poles have been reported snapped and broken at Tiniroto and residents are likely to remain snowed in again overnight and without power.

Up to 1m of snow was reported in Tiniroto and anywhere from a light dusting to 35cm in lower parts of the hills west of Gisborne.

The fall has stopped earlier today and no more snow is forecast.

Mayor Meng Foon says the climate is unusual for Tairawhiti and asks people to please take care on roads.

For highway updates check www.nzta.govt.nz or phone 0800 444449

For local road closures and cautionary information check www.gdc.govt.nz.

Electricity faults phone Eastland Network 0800 206 207

Emergency help call 111 or your GP for other health related enquiries.

ENDS

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