State Highway 2 between Matatā and Paengaroa under stop/go after flooding

The highway between Matatā and Paengaroa in Bay of Plenty has reopened under traffic management after flooding this morning.

State Highway 2 was closed between Kaokaoroa St and Herepu Rd, just west of Matatā, about 12.30am after significant overnight rain blocked recently cleared culverts, a NZ Transport Agency spokesperson said.

The highway between Matatā and Paengaroa in Bay of Plenty was closed due to flooding this morning. Photo / NZTA

The area under the rail bridge flooded.

Earlier, a spokesperson said trucks were let through to clear the backlog but the road closed again to clear silt.

In an update about 10am, the NZ Transport Agency said the road was now open under stop/go management.

“NZTA contractors are on site working to clear debris and re-open the road this morning. It should be open by midday.”

The highway between Matatā and Paengaroa in Bay of Plenty was closed due to flooding this morning. NZ Transport Agency said trucks were let through to clear the backlog. Photo / NZTA

The spokeswoman said the culverts were cleaned in the past few months, but a large volume of material was brought down from the hills.

The highway between Matatā and Paengaroa in Bay of Plenty was closed due to flooding this morning. Photo / NZTA