NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is advising motorists that State Highway 3 (SH3) south of Awakau Road at Awakino in Taranaki is now open to a single lane under stop/go traffic controls, following a mudslide which came down on the road surface around 5pm yesterday (12 June).

Contractors are continuing to clear the second lane. The road will be open to two lanes of traffic under a temporary speed limit by 6pm today (Friday 13 June).

Please expect delays, and allow for additional travel time as we continue to monitor this site over the weekend.

Next week, crews will resume repairs at various sites along SH3 between Piopio and Tongapōrutu.

We thank everyone for their patience and understanding while we worked to clear the road.

1:13pm

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is advising motorists that State Highway 3 (SH3) remains closed this afternoon south of Awakau Road at Awakino in Taranaki, due to a mudslide which came down on the road surface around 5pm yesterday (12 June).

Contractors are working to clear the road. It is anticipated the road will be open to a single lane under stop/go traffic controls by the end of the day (Friday 13 June).

Contractors are also clearing a number of smaller slips on SH3 between Tongapōrutu and Piopio which came down in the wet weather overnight. 

Please delay your travel and avoid the area if possible.

For those who are travelling in the area, please take extra care, drive to the conditions and follow the instructions of road workers.

State Highway 1 is the alternative route, but please plan your journey and allow for longer travel times.

9:43am

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is advising motorists that State Highway 3 (SH3) remains closed this morning south of Awakau Road at Awakino in Taranaki, due to a large mudslide which came down on the road surface just after 5pm yesterday (12 June). 

Contractors were on site at first light today assessing the situation and beginning the clean-up job. The road remains closed while assessments and debris clearing is ongoing.

Contractors will also be clearing a number of smaller slips on SH3 between Tongapōrutu and Piopio which came down in the wet weather overnight. 

State Highway 1 is the alternative route, but please plan your journey and allow for longer travel times. 

Please delay your travel and avoid the area if possible.

For those who are travelling in the area, please take extra care, drive to the conditions and follow the instructions of road workers.

State Highway 1 is the alternative route, but please plan your journey and allow for longer travel times. 

A further update will be provided at 1:30pm today (Friday 13 June).

12 June

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is advising motorists that State Highway 3 (SH3) will remain closed overnight south of Awakau Road at Awakino in Taranaki, due to a large mudslide. With more rain expected overnight, the road will be assessed at first daylight tomorrow (Friday 13 June). 

Contractors are currently on-site at Awakino and Piopio to turn traffic around. Please delay your travel and avoid the area if possible.

State Highway 1 is the alternative route, but please plan your journey and allow for longer travel times. 

An update will be provided at 9am, Friday, 13 June.