The full force of Cyclone Gabrielle is making itself known in the Coromandel and East Waikato, causing extremely dangerous driving conditions due to slips, flooding, storm surges and debris on the roads.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency warns road users to expect more closures as slips and flooding caused by the arrival of Cyclone Gabrielle jeopardise safe travel on State Highways in the Coromandel and East Waikato.
With more rain forecast next week contractors have taken the opportunity to batten down the hatches, preparing the state highway network for what is to come.
With Cyclone Gabrielle tracking towards the upper North Island, and expected to reach land early next week, contractors have had to make hard decisions around road renewal works planned to start next week.
A large slip has come down at Waiotahe Beach this morning, closing State Highway 2 (SH2) between Paerata Ridge Road and Waiotahe Valley Back Road. This is in the same area as previous slips that occurred in late 2022.
Restoring road access on State Highway 23 (SH23) between Whatawhata and Raglan is urgently underway. This crucial link between Raglan and Hamilton was fully closed on Wednesday last week, following a serious slip on the section known as the Raglan Deviation.
The rain event over the past week has had a significant impact on accessibility across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty region, particular over Anniversary weekend.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency advises that due to the increasing severity of cracking and slumping on the highway, State Highway 23 (SH23) must remain closed to all traffic for now.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency advises that State Highway 23 (SH23) will close to all traffic overnight from 7pm due to the severity of cracking and slumping on the highway west of Glentui Lane.
