Debris cleared, State Highway 2 returns to service between Wairoa and Napier with cautionary measures

Vehicles of all shapes and sizes lined up at the Whatatutu Road turn-off on State Highway 2 yesterday, to take their turn getting through to Matawai as Waka Kotahi escorted convoys through the fragile route. Picture supplied

State Highway 2 between Wairoa and Napier reopened following work to clear fallen debris yesterday morning after it was closed on Thursday night because of surface flooding and slips.

“SH2 will be under temporary traffic control, so road users are reminded drive with caution, expect the unexpected and be prepared for delays,” Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency regional manager of maintenance and operations Jaclyn Hankin said yesterday.

State Highway 35 between Gisborne and Ruatoria was open until 5pm last night and was scheduled to reopen at 8am this morning — “provided there is no further damage”.

SH2 Wairoa to Napier was open yesterday afternoon, likewise SH2 Wairoa to Gisborne.

Waka Kotahi operated scheduled convoys through the Matawai to Ormond zone of SH2 north yesterday afternoon.

The northbound escorted convoys took place at midday, 2pm and 4pm, leaving from the Whatatutu Road turn-off.

The southbound convoy was at 1pm, 3pm and 5pm, leaving from Matawai.

It was expected that the convoys would be repeated today.

“We ask that people wanting to use the convoys be there 10 minutes before departure time,” Ms  Hankin said.

The weather had caused slips, flooding and fallen trees across the local state highway network.

“Contractors continue to work to clear the debris,” she said.

“Please expect delays on the roads that are already open, with traffic management in place.

“Given the forecast for more rainfall, there is the potential for short-notice closures.”