Update on state highway closures around the Bay of Plenty – 9.50am update

Updates on the traffic road conditions of State Highways 33, 35 and 2 (Waimana Gorge and Pukehina).

9.50am update to Bay of Plenty state highway closures, slips and flooding

• State Highway 33 is OPEN from Paengaroa to State Highway 30 Rotorua 
  Multiple slips cleared and road reopened around 8.30pm Sunday night. A temporary speed limit is in place as there is some residual slippery material on the road and a section of guard rail was damaged by one of the slips. Drivers please take care.
• State Highway 2 Pukehina – OPEN 
  Stop/go traffic management removed at the Kaikokopu Bridge at Pukehina. Flood water has receded. Both lanes open.
• State Highway 35 CLOSED since Saturday morning (1 Oct) between Maraenui and Omaio 
  Contractors have been working hard all weekend clearing multiple slips. Two teams have returned this morning. The priority is to clear at least one lane from Te Kaha to Ōpōtiki, however there are around 11 slips on this route.  
• State Highway 29 Kaimai Ranges - OPEN 
  Slip cleared last night on SH29 near Ruahihi Power Station on the Kaimai Ranges. Stop/Go in place between 11 and 12.30pm today so that contractors can safely remove trees damaged by this slip.

This information updates yesterday’s traffic bulletin update below.

6pm update to Bay of Plenty state highway closures, slips and flooding

• State Highway 33 remains closed from Paengaroa to State Highway 30 Rotorua
  Large slips are cleared and teams are now working on two smaller slips and pothole repairs. Estimated opening now 9pm
• State Highway 2 Pukehina – stop/go
  State Highway 2 will remain under stop/go traffic management at the Kaikokopu Bridge at Pukehina overnight. Flood water has not receded.
• State Highway 35 remains CLOSED overnight between Maraenui and Omaio
  Contractors have made good progress clearing various slips today. Two teams will return in the morning to clear remaining slips and open the road as soon as possible.
• State Highway 29 Kaimai Ranges
  Reports are coming in that a slip is blocking one lane on SH29 near Ruahihi Road on the Tauranga side of the Kaimai Ranges. Contractors are on their way. Road users should expect delays. 

This information updates the traffic bulletin below.

State Highway 33

State Highway 33 is CLOSED from Paengaroa to State Highway 30 Rotorua due to several slips and fallen debris. Contractors are working to clear debris and provide traffic control.

If it is safe to do so, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency expects the road will reopen by 6pm.

Motorists are advised to avoid the area.

State Highway 35

State Highway 35 remains CLOSED between Maraenui and Omaio. Waka Kotahi contractors are working tirelessly to clear multiple slips. Due to the large number of slips along this stretch it is unlikely the highway will reopen today.

The detour is via State Highway 2 Waioeka Gorge.

State Highway 2 Waimana Gorge

State Highway 2 Waimana Gorge is now fully OPEN.

Multiple slips closed the road this morning between Station Road, Tanetua and Woodlands Road in Ōpōtiki but have now been cleared.  

State Highway 2 Pukehina

State Highway 2 is now OPEN under stop/go traffic management at the Kaikokopu Bridge at Pukehina.

Expect delays due to a 100m stretch of flooding.

We anticipate the flood water is at its highest now – but if the water rises we will have to fully close the road again.

To avoid the flooding, the detour for both directions is via read Wilson Road, Old Coach Road and Pukehina Station Road.

Driving conditions continue to be hazardous around the region so please only drive if essential. Due to the adverse weather, potholes are forming in multiple locations. Contractors are monitoring the situation, but in some areas resources will be prioritised to clearing slips and opening roads.

If you must head out, please take extra care and drive to the conditions. Adjust your speed and keep a good following distance to give yourself the best chance of avoiding hazards. 

Check the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner website before heading off for information on which routes are affected by recent bad weather.

Journey Planner(external link)

We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

Waka Kotahi thanks everyone for their patience and understanding while we work to re-open roads in the region.