SH35 between Ōpotiki and Gisborne reopens

The NZ Transport Agency is advising SH35 between Ōpotiki and Gisborne has reopened however is down to one lane in some areas.

Transport Agency Regional Transport System Manager, Rob Campbell says we have had multiple slips and flooding throughout the Bay of Plenty and Gisborne Region.

“Our contractors have worked hard to clear the multiple slips along SH35 but due to adverse weather conditions we ask motorists to still take extra care in the following areas.

“The slip site at Hawaii between Te Kaha and Waihau Bay is open to one lane with manual traffic control overnight.

“A slip has fallen by Whitianga Bay and the road is down to one lane with stop/go traffic management in place. There has also been a road dropout just west of Whitianga Bay. This road has also been reduced to one lane and motorists are advised to take extra care,” says Mr Campbell.

Flooding has occurred on the Te Araroa straight from the SH35 intersection with Pohutu Road through to the Te Araroa Holiday Park.

“We want to assure those communities who have been affected that we are working as hard as possible to restore complete access to SH35.

“We are expecting more rain this evening and remind motorists to drive with extra caution and plan their journey before they leave.

There are multiple still small slips in the area, trees are down and there is potential for more flooding and slips overnight,” says Mr Campbell.

We will continue to provide updates on our social media and the Transport Agency website and remind motorists to check our website and social media pages regularly for updates.

The NZ Transport Agency thanks road users for their understanding and patience

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