State Highway 35 at Tolaga Bay has reopened to 1 lane and is expected to be fully reopened by mid-morning.

Flooding closed a stretch of SH35 overnight between Wharf Road, just south of Tolaga Bay, and Okitu.

Despite the road reopening, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is urging caution as people drive around the region.

Please also be alert to possible flooding, slips and debris in other parts of the region.

Crews are also monitoring a build up of woody debris around Gladstone Road bridge on SH35 in Gisborne.

3 January:

Flooding has closed a stretch of State Highway 35 north of Gisborne.

The state highway, between Wharf Road, just south of Tolaga Bay, and Okitu will remain closed overnight.

Heavy and persistent rainfall has caused flooding in the area, making it unsafe to access the road. 

There is no viable detour and drivers are asked to avoid the area. 

Crews will reassess the flooding in the morning. 

Please continue to drive to the conditions and be alert to possible flooding in other parts of the state highway and in the region.