State Highway 2 slip: Road likely to stay closed until Friday

State Highway 2 at Waiotahe Beach is expected to stay closed until Friday due to a slip blocking both lanes.

Heavy rain overnight Sunday caused the slip between Kutarere and Ōpōtiki, in the eastern Bay of Plenty.

An update from NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi on Tuesday said pōhutukawa trees above the slip face had been removed by arborists with the help of a digger pulling the trees back on to farmland.

NZTA says a "substantial slip" at Waiotahe Beach is likely to take days to clear. Photo / NZTA

“Unfortunately the trees were at high risk of falling onto the road and couldn’t be left in place. Now that that risk has been remedied, NZTA contractors have begun removal of slip material from the base,” NZTA said.

“Fine weather is forecast until the weekend which should aid in progress, but it’s expected SH2 will need to remain closed here until Friday afternoon August 23.

“The team are working hard and will open sooner if possible.”

Road users should allow extra time for the detour which is:

East bound traffic: Right onto Waiotahi Valley Back Rd, Verrall Rd, Left Paerata Ridge Rd before rejoining SH2. West bound traffic in reverse.

The detour is not suitable for heavy vehicles.