Clearer picture on Waioweka Gorge access soon

Multiple slips along State Highway 2 through the Waioweka Gorge. Photo / NZTA

NZ Transport Agency expects to have a clearer timeframe shortly for when it could open at least one lane of access on State Highway 2 between Ōpōtiki and Matawai.

Crews continue to work their way through 13 overslips and four underslips where the road has partially crumbled away.

There are another 20 areas on SH2 through the Waioweka Gorge where mud, trees and other debris were strewn across the road. Seven additional sites have been identified as blocking both lanes.

SH2 Waioweka Gorge response and recovery controller Rob Service on Tuesday said the road and the land around it were still saturated with water.

“There’s a big job ahead still although crews are making excellent progress on both sides.

“We know how critical this road is for freight and for travel through to Tairāwhiti and we’re working as quickly as we can to restore that access, but it must be done safely.”

Service said NZTA crews were also working to clear multiple slips on SH35 east of the township of Pōtaka.

In the biggest slip, about 200,000 cubic metres of land slid on to and over the road.

A spokesperson said that was equivalent to around 6500 truck movements of soil.

“We know these closures are disruptive and crews are working as hard as they can to restore access and we’re really grateful for everyone’s support.

“Public support makes our job that much easier, especially when it comes to adhering to traffic management and taking it easy on the roads that are open.”