SH3 south of New Plymouth between Mangorei and Hydro roads has reopened following emergency work overnight to repair a tomo (sinkhole) which formed yesterday at the Mangorei Stream bridge, just south of Burgess Hill Road.

The road was closed while crews have been working overnight to repair the tomo.

Crews were hoping to open the road earlier this morning however the work was delayed by rain.

Please drive carefully through the area and to the conditions. A temporary lower speed limit of 50 km/h is currently in place.

Keep up to date with NZTA’s Journey Planner.

Update 9:30pm

SH3 south of New Plymouth between Mangorei and Hydro roads will remain CLOSED to both directions of traffic overnight, due to a tomo (sinkhole) forming at the Mangorei Stream bridge, just south of Burgess Hill Road.

Crews are continuing to carry out urgent repairs, which are expected to take until 4am tomorrow (Wednesday).

At this stage, the road is expected to reopen following the completion of those repairs at 4am.

In the meantime, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi reminds people to use SH3A as the alternative state highway. 

Please keep up to date with NZTA’s Journey Planner.

Update 3:55pm

State Highway 3 is now closed to all traffic between Hydro Road and Mangorei Road. Drivers are asked to avoid the area and use alternative routes.

Drivers are encouraged to check the highway’s status before they travel. More information can be found on the NZTA/Waka Kotahi website:

• Highway Conditions – Taranaki(external link)

2:50pm

A stretch of State Highway south of New Plymouth is under stop/go traffic management after a tomo (sinkhole) appeared in the road.

The tomo has formed in the southbound lane near the Mangorei Stream Bridge just south of Burgess Hill Road.

Stop/go traffic management is in place while crews are on site completing urgent repairs.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is urging road users to avoid travelling in the area where possible and take alternative routes.

People travelling through the area can expect delays of between 30 and 40 minutes.

The stop/go traffic management, along with temporary lower speed, will remain in place at least for the remainder of today.