Massive slip blocks Northland road

Slip has covered a 50 metre section of road near Dargaville. Workers are clearing away the soil and hope to have one lane open by late Friday afternoon. PHOTO/ John Stone

A landslide has taken out power lines and blocked a 50-metre section of road north of Dargaville.

Emergency services and council contractors are at the scene on Omamari Rd in Kaihu and have started the clean-up, but police said the road will likely be closed for most of the day.

They asked drivers to avoid the area if possible.

Traffic is being diverted along the coast towards Babylon Coast Rd, back to State Highway 12 through Parore.