State Highway 2 between Napier-Wairoa reopened after slip

Both lanes of State Highway 2 have reopened after a slip on the road between Napier and Wairoa overnight.

The slip, containing 50 cubic metres of dirt, including several large rocks, occurred near Putorino north of the Waikere bridge, about 3am.

Both lanes of the road were closed until about 11.30am when one was reopened.

Motorists were advised to avoid the area or delay travel, a police spokeswoman said.

The road is the main route between Hawke's Bay and the Gisborne district.

The closure had affected transport companies which use the road, as well as commuters.

A spokeswoman from STL Linehaul said that one of their truck drivers had been unable to turn back or take another route, so was waiting for the road to reopen.

Wairoa District Council CEO Steven May said the closure may have affected local businesses and transport.

He confirmed Wairoa Airport has remained open.

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