Work progresses today around the top of State Highway 35, as crews work towards restoring more access following last week’s flooding.

SH35 in Tairāwhiti is now open from Gisborne through to Taurangakoau Bridge, which is about 3 kilometres south of Te Araroa.

The road remains closed between Pōtaka in the west and the Taurangakoau Bridge.

Crews are working to clear multiple slips in the area which are covering the road, including the biggest slip, which saw about 200,000 cubic metres of land slide onto and over the road. That’s the equivalent of around 6 and a half thousand HPMV truck loads of soil.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi incident controller Richard Bayley says while there’s a huge job ahead, crews are working as quickly, and safely, as possible to get the road access restored.

“Yesterday we were able to offer three 30 minute piloted convoys during the day for cutoff residents and essential supplies, between Taurangakoau Bridge and Te Araroa and we’ll do the same again today.”

Those three intervals will last for half an hour each:

• 8am – 8.30am
• Midday – 12.30pm
• 4pm – 4.30pm

Mr Bayley has stressed the need to only travel through if absolutely necessary.

“The convoys are primarily for residents. We know how important that access is right now. But at the moment, we really don’t want people travelling through who don’t have to be part of the convoy.”

The convoy will continue to run at the same times each day this week, unless there is a safety concern.

The closure will be controlled overnight.

“If you are travelling through the convoy, or any part of the network, take extreme care. While there may not be rain currently, the land is really sodden. Please adhere to myriad traffic management and drive safely.”