A stretch of State Highway 3 at Awakino Gorge is now closed following rockfall today. At this stage, the road will remain closed overnight. The rocks have been steadily coming down over a half a kilometre stretch of road.

Crews are onsite and working to clear the road as safely and efficiently as possible. The current situation is unsafe for all motorists and the decision has been made to keep the road closed overnight.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is advising road users to avoid travelling this area until further notice. Crews will reassess the situation as soon as possible tomorrow morning.