Napier-Taupō Rd open after slip

State Highway 5 near Te Pohue, pictured by a motorist at 5.53pm on Wednesday. Police said it was closed from about that time, but traffic was soon being allowed through, one-lane and under traffic management. Photo / Supplied

Part of State Highway 5 between Napier and Taupō was blocked on Wednesday because of slips near Te Pohue.

Police were alerted about 5.55pm and initially advised both lanes were blocked, with motorists reporting the slips were on the Titiokura hill, north of Te Pohue, 40-50km by road northwest of Napier.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi confirmed after 9pm that while the northbound lane was blocked two lanes were available and open.

Motorists were advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council rainfall figures show about 160mm of rain had fallen in three days - over 82mm on Monday, 24mm on Tuesday, and more than 53mm on Wednesday.