Crews are back out across the northern Taranaki state highway network, continuing repairs and assessments following last week’s heavy rainfall and subsequent closures.

The heavy rain caused flooding and multiple slips on State Highway 3, closing the road until Friday, along with SH43 Forgotten World Highway between Whangamōmona and Taumarunui and SH4 between Pio Pio to Taumarunui. All state highways are now open.

Crews continue to assess damage and clear away slip material and debris to access on the highways. 

Drivers travelling between New Plymouth and Waikato this week will notice crews working along SH3, along with stop/go traffic management in place and temporary speed restrictions.

“Please be really careful travelling this week and follow the stop/go traffic management closely and the instructions from crews. The traffic management is in place to keep people, and our crews safe,” says Liesl Dawson, System Manager for Taranaki and Manawatū-Whanganui.

“There’s still a lot of cleanup ahead, with work underway to assess the damage from slips and work towards repairs.

“There will be long delays to journey times of around 30 minutes, so please plan your trips accordingly.

“Metservice is forecasting more heavy rain for the region later this week – driving to the conditions is crucial. Please be alert to the possibility of more slips or debris on the roads.”