Storm-damaged State Highway 25 (SH25) will remain closed at Kereta Hill on the Thames Coast Road.

Heavy rain yesterday has seen subsidence at a site near the Kereta Hill Lookout.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Waikato Regional Manager for Maintenance and Operations, Andy Oakley says contractors will need at least the rest of the week to complete geotechnical assessments and design a suitable repair to address the subsidence.  

“The highway needs to remain closed while contractors assess the subsidence and make repairs. Work will be completed as quickly as possible and we will update people as soon as we know more,” says 

“We realise that this closure will be disruptive, but we need to ensure the safety of road users and our contractors. We will have a clearer picture following a further geotechnical assessment tomorrow (Tuesday 14 April) and will continue to keep people updated. The closure means all traffic north of Kereta Hill will need to use SH25 and SH25A to access Thames and vice versa.”  

Emergency vehicles will be escorted through the closure as required.

The latest state highway conditions can be checked on the NZTA Journey Planner, as well as real-time updates on Facebook.