Cyclone Gabrielle: State Highway 4 Parapara in central North Island may open Saturday

Waka Kotahi says it can't give a timeframe for when the Parapara will reopen. Photo / Bevan Conley

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State Highway 4 Parapara between Whanganui and Raetihi remains closed following Cyclone Gabrielle but may reopen on Saturday.

Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency system manager of maintenance and operations Rob Service said contractors were working to reopen the road as quickly as possible.

It has been closed since Wednesday due to slips and fallen trees caused by the cyclone.

Service said the road would require geotechnical assessments before it is cleared to reopen.

At 1.30pm on Friday a spokesperson said the assessment would be carried out later in the day and they anticipated being able to reopen the highway by Saturday, February 18, with traffic management controls in place.

“The safety of all road users and contractors is our number one priority,” Service said.

“We understand any road closures will be frustrating for motorists.”

A diversion is available via SH1 and SH49.