NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) will pre-emptively close State Highway 35 at the Punaruku slip site, between Wharekahika/Hicks Bay and Te Araroa, from 10pm tonight (Friday 5 June) through to 8am tomorrow (Saturday 6 June), subject to a final site inspection and weather conditions.

The decision follows significant rainfall this week and forecasts of intense rain in the early hours of Saturday morning, which is expected to meet or exceed this site’s trigger levels for a road closure.

The hillside remains in a fragile condition following the late January storm, and the combination of sodden ground conditions and further heavy rain increases the risk of additional movement at the site.

A site inspection will be carried out at first light on Saturday, with an update on the road status expected by 8am.

“We understand this closure will be disruptive for residents, businesses and whanau travelling through the area, however safety must come first,” says Martin Colditz, NZTA Area Manager for Maintenance and Operations in the Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne.

“The hillside is vulnerable and with more heavy rainfall forecast, taking a precautionary approach is the safest option. Closing the road overnight reduces the risk to road users.”

Please be prepared for the possibility of this closure happening earlier than planned and at short notice if weather conditions change. 

To find out the status of the road, check these links below:

• Journey Planner - Gisborne(external link)
• Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne Facebook(external link)

SH2 Waioweka Gorge

Ahead of this weekend’s orange heavy rain warning, SH2 through the Waioweka Gorge will remain open under updated safety thresholds, with crews carrying out additional monitoring.

Despite the overnight forecast we are still expecting to begin critical work to stabilise the Goldsmith Slip this weekend.

The Gorge will be closed on Saturday 6 June, from 9pm to 5am. A one-hour window from 1am to 2am will allow freight through.

This work is weather dependent and may need to shift to our contingency day of Sunday 7 June.

Crew will inspect the worksite tomorrow morning and confirm the timing of the work by midday Saturday 6 June.

Night closures and daytime stop/go traffic management are needed so a large crane can carry out drilling and installation work for a rockfall attenuator - a large steel net which is designed to contain falling rock and debris before it reaches the road.