UPDATE 2, 9.30pm Wed 13 April: State Highway 35 is now closed all the way from Okitu, north of Gisborne, through to Potaka, due to fallen trees between Gisborne and Tolaga Bay. The road closure will be reviewed tomorrow morning and an update provided.
UPDATE 1.15PM Wed 13 April: State Highway 35 is now also closed between Tokomaru Bay and Te Puia Springs, in addition to the closure between Hicks Bay and Te Araroa. As the section between Tokomaru Bay and Te Puia Springs is still operating under an overnight (7pm-7am) road closure, this section is unlikely to reopen before tomorrow.
People (and bunnies) are being encouraged not to put all their Easter eggs in one basket this long weekend by planning ahead with the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency holiday journey planner to avoid delays on some of the Central North Island’s busiest routes for holiday traffic.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is asking people to take care and avoid unnecessary travel from late Tuesday until early Thursday, with Cyclone Fili expected to bring heavy rain and severe gales to the Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay regions.
A marathon effort from roading contractors will see the final section of State Highway 35 closed by last month’s severe weather event reopen to all traffic tomorrow (Friday 8 April) between 7am and 7pm.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is seeking feedback from people who live and work alongside State Highway 3 between Palmerston North and Ashhurst on proposed new safer speed limits designed to save lives and prevent serious injuries.
Bones of two species of moa and of other large flightless birds unearthed in the Ruahine Ranges by the team working on Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawatū Tararua Highway have been sampled for analysis to determine their age and relationships.
State Highway 1B east of Hamilton is temporarily closed at the southern end of Telephone Road with detours in place to prevent ongoing damage to the level crossing.
Road contractors are continuing to work hard across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty state highway network in the lead up to the Easter and Anzac Day holiday period.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency will begin work shortly to help make State Highway 2 in the Hawke’s Bay safer by extending a slow vehicle bay at Waikoau Hill, south of Lake Tūtira.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is looking forward to starting physical works on Te Ara o Te Ata: Mt Messenger Bypass following yesterday’s High Court decision confirming consents for the project.
With another Heavy Rain Watch in place for the Gisborne and Wairoa districts, through until 6pm tonight, motorists are being asked to take care and expect the unexpected.