State Highway 3 through Awakino Gorge will be closing from 6pm today and will remain closed tomorrow while geotechnical site assessments are carried out.

During routine safety inspections, crews have today identified some fresh movement at the site of the significant slip.

The decision has been made for the safety of all road users and crews working in the area.

NZTA does not make these decisions lightly - we’d prefer if we could keep the road open and maintain important access, however the safety of all road users is paramount.

Geotechnical specialists will be on site tomorrow morning (Wednesday) to carry out a detailed assessment, including inspecting the slip area. This will help determine the level of risk and whether work is needed to make the area safe.

Road users should plan ahead and avoid travelling to the closure area. Please follow all signage, traffic management, and any instructions from on-site staff.

We will provide further information by 5pm tomorrow, or earlier if conditions change. We will be working as quickly to safely reopen the road as quickly as possible.