One lane reopens after slip blocks SH2 at Waiotahe

State Highway 2 at Waiotahe is now partially open under stop/go management after a large slip that blocked the road last night.

The road was initially fully blocked between Waiotahi Valley Back Rd and Paerata Ridge Rd in the Ōpōtiki District.

NZTA’s system manager for the Bay of Plenty, Sandra King, said the road’s pavement was cracking around 200mm from the edge line and likely to worsen in wet weather.

“High levels through the Tauranga River following heavy rainfall have caused the underslip. A geotech team is investigating further and their findings will inform our remediation plan.

“The road is currently under 24-hour traffic management, but traffic lights will be installed soon,” King said.

Police advised motorists to avoid the area or expect delays, as diversions were put in place for both southbound and northbound traffic.

The slip, caused by saturated ground following several weeks of heavy rain, left debris covering both lanes.

Contractors worked overnight to begin clearing the site.

One lane has now reopened under stop/go traffic management and a temporary speed limit of 30km/h is in place while crews continue to clear the remaining debris.

Waka Kotahi also reminds drivers that SH2 remains reduced to one lane through the Waimana Gorge because of an underslip, and to drive with extra caution in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.