Flooding eases on SH2, temporary speed limits in place

State Highway 2 at Pongakawa has reopened after flooding.

The section of road at Kaikokopu Stream Bridge, between Kaikokopu Rd and Wilson Rd South, was closed due to flooding yesterday.

NZ Transport Agency said today the road had reopened with a temporary speed limit in place.

Flooding on farmland east of Pāpāmoa on Wednesday. Photo / Oceania Helicopters Tauranga Ltd

“Please drive with caution.”

Footage supplied to the Bay of Plenty Times by Oceania Helicopters showed the extent of the flooding on farmland east of Pāpāmoa on Wednesday.

In an update on Wednesday afternoon, the agency said there were also areas of flooding on SH2 Waioweka Gorge between Ōpōtiki and Waioweka and road users were advised to drive with caution.

The recent wet weather had also destabilised four trees along Takitimu Drive, on SH2 in Tauranga, that posed a risk of falling on to the highway if not removed.

There will be a left lane closure with a 30km/h temporary speed limit in place for felling on Thursday night.

Flooding at the Kaikokopu Stream Bridge on State Highway 2 on Wednesday. Photo / NZTA

There will be four rolling blocks implemented as each tree is felled, NZTA said.

MetService said Bay of Plenty, Taupō and the central high country would have showers today, some heavy, easing in the afternoon.

Thunderstorms were possible east of Ōpōtiki this morning.

Mostly fine weather with the odd shower was forecast tomorrow and Saturday in the region.