Slip work from recent deluges on SH2 will cause slight delays for motorists

Last week's heavy rain deluge across the region will continue to have an impact on travel times for motorists using SH2 between Napier and Wairoa as contract crews work to clear the remains of slips.

Crews were working at several sites on the stretch and temporary speed restrictions and stop-go signalling was in place while the remaining debris was cleared.

A New Zealand Transport Agency spokesman said the worksites would mean up to five minute delays in travel.

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"There is nothing major, just small stuff left over from last week's falls," journey manager Oliver Postings said.

Crews were checking the entire stretch as there had been some minor rock falls with the slips.

There were also likely to be other slight delays on the northern stretch of SH2 with water blasting around the Waikare area and repair work on the Tuhaenui Bridge near Nuhaka.

Slips which had briefly caused closures on SH5 between Napier and Taupo had been cleared, with NZTA reporting the only work taking place on that stretch being culvert extension work near Eskdale.

Temporary speed restrictions are in place along with stop-go signalling at times, although impacts on travel times would be "negligible".

There would however be some slight delays on SH2 south between Hastings and Dannevirke with seal widening work and drainage maintenance programmes under way.

Seal widening crews are at work between Peka Peka and Mahanga with speed restrictions in place, while drainage work is being carried out at sites between Te Mahanga and Te Aute.

Motorists are also advised to be aware that there will be temporary speed restrictions in place at times on the approaches, and across, the Karamu Stream bridge on SH2 between Napier and Hastings while repairs are carried out.

With periods of rain forecast across the region over the next few days the NZTA road crews will, as they have in previous damp situations, effectively be on stand-by should there be any slip issues.

"We are continuing to keep an eye on conditions and will carry out the resourcing required if there are any problems," Postings said.