NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) teams and contractors across the region are in position and ready to respond to the impacts of Cyclone Vaianu today.

With the worst of the weather yet to hit, people are reminded to avoid non-essential travel during periods of heavy rain, strong winds and low visibility. People are urged to take care in coastal and low-lying areas of the Coromandel and Western Bay of Plenty, which are subject to flooding, coupled with high tides.

If you must travel, drive to the conditions, keep your lights on, increase following distances, and watch for surface flooding and debris. 

Expect short-notice road closures, detours, and delays. Obey all road closure signs and instructions. With severe wind warnings in place, usual cones and road closure signage may be too dangerous to install in some areas. Motorists should look out for a contractor’s vehicle blocking the road or other visible indicators that signal a road closure.

With strong winds affecting parts of the network, motorists should be aware of sudden gusts in exposed areas, particularly across bridges and through cuttings, where tunnel effects can occur.

Check the latest state highway conditions on the Journey Planner before you leave, and during your trip if conditions change. Follow updates on Facebook(external link) for real-time updates. 

Coromandel

State Highway 25 (SH25) Whakatete Bay is CLOSED between Thames North and Whakatete Bay due to flooding.

There are currently several sites on SH25 with surface flooding and lane closures – but still passable with caution.

Contractor crews are in position and ready to respond. The next high tide is around 2pm and this may lead to surface flooding.

Bay of Plenty

Crews are in position and ready to respond. NZTA is closely monitoring SH2 at Matatā, with high tide expected around 2pm which may lead to surface flooding.

A reminder that SH2 through the Waioweka Gorge remains CLOSED until 10am Monday 13 April (subject to safety inspections).

We’ll keep state highways open for as long as it’s safe to travel but be prepared for us to close affected state highways if your safety, or our roadworkers’ safety, is at risk. Safety is our top priority.

Please follow the advice of Civil Defence and emergency services and keep up to date with the latest information at:

• Waikato Civil Defence(external link)
• Bay of Plenty Civil Defence(external link)