Half of Gisborne’s local roads reopened as NZTA continues highway damage assessment

NZ Transport Agency has estimated that up to half a million cubic metres of material will need to be removed from multiple sites along SH35 around the East Cape.

Progress had been made on clearing the Gisborne district’s local roads and highways as floodwaters receded today.

By 2pm, Gisborne District Council had cleared 17 of 34 local roads that had been closed after severe weather on Wednesday and Thursday, and most heavy vehicle restrictions had been lifted.

State Highway 35 was reopened between Gisborne and Tikitiki yesterday, but remained closed from Tikitiki to Pōtaka as of 4pm today.

NZ Transport Agency said crews on the East Coast were continuing to assess damage caused by multiple slips, landslides and flooding.

“Floodwaters are starting to recede near Pōtaka,” it said in a statement today.

“However, the damage between Pōtaka and Te Araroa, in particular, is considerable and is taking time to assess.

“At this stage, it has been estimated that up to half a million cubic metres of material will need to be removed from multiple sites throughout SH35.”

Taurangakoau Bridge over Mangaowira Stream had been partially washed away, and work was underway to secure contractor access across the bridge.

“Our crews are working as quickly and as safely as possible to clear more access to parts of SH35.

“Please continue to drive to the conditions and with extreme care.

“There is a lot of traffic management in place throughout the sections of SH35 that are open, so it’s imperative people adhere to traffic management and lower speeds, as crews remain on the road working where they can over the weekend.”

SH2 south was open between Gisborne and Matawai, but the Waioweka Gorge remained closed.

SH2 between Gisborne and Wairoa, and further south to Napier, was open.

GDC roading teams have likewise been out across the district assessing and repairing damage after the recent severe weather.

The council said more roads were expected to reopen as floodwaters continued to recede.

Journeys operations manager Libby Young said access remained challenging in places, and aerial assessments had been completed.

“Council crews are working as quickly and safely as possible to gather information and reopen roads as access becomes available via SH35.

“Road users should continue to take extra care. Even where roads are open, they may not be back to normal; many roads remain vulnerable following the high levels of rain.

“We’re asking everyone to drive to the conditions and watch out for slips, soft shoulders, washouts and debris on the road.”

Full road status and updates at www.gdc.govt.nz/services/roads/road-information