Traffic restrictions in effect on SH35 at Punaruku as road reopens

The Punaruku slip site on SH35 between Te Araroa and Hicks Bay (pictured) has very much been a work in progress since the January rain event that caused the major issues there. Photo / Dr Murry Cave (TEMO)

State Highway 35 between Hicks Bay and Te Araroa has reopened for three periods today and will be open during the day from tomorrow with restrictions.

The stretch of SH35 around Punaruku slip closed last Friday night after heavy rainfall made the slip site unsafe for drivers.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) reopened the road today, from 7am to 8am.

It will also reopen from noon to 13.30pm and 5pm to 6pm today for light vehicles only.

It will stay closed overnight.

“It is not safe to have the road open at night,” an NZTA spokesman said.

Tomorrow it will be open under stop/go only from 7.30am to 6pm, again for light vehicles only.

“From Friday morning, the road will be open to light vehicles only from 7.30am to 6pm each day. It will be closed overnight from 6pm to 7.30am each night until further notice,” NZTA said.

“The road and surrounding area at the Punaruku slip site is extremely fragile and unstable following the most recent rainfall.

“Road workers have been on-site at Punaruku clearing ditches and working to address immediate slip issues, and the ongoing recovery and drainage works are also continuing as part of the wider recovery work.

“We will continue closely monitoring the site over the coming days. Please be aware that closures may happen at short notice.”