The southbound lane of State Highway 3 at Mt Messenger is now CLOSED following a slip beneath the road.

The road is down to one lane and stop/go traffic management is in place. Please avoid unnecessary travel if possible, and expect delays of at least 25 minutes.

This section of the road will remain closed over the weekend.

As at 10.30am:

• SH3 at Mt Messenger – southbound lane CLOSED. Traffic management is in place
• SH3 Awakino Gorge CLOSED between Oha Street and Papakauri Road
• SH43 Forgotten World Highway remains CLOSED (between Whangamona and Taumaranui – although non-essential travel along the entire route is not advised)
• SH45 is now OPEN
• SH4 Whanganui to Raetihi CLOSED

As the heavy rain continues, crews are closely monitoring all state highways around the region for further damage.

NZTA is reminding people to take care and be alert for other areas with flooding or debris. Please drive carefully if you must travel.

Another update is planned early this afternoon.

In the meantime, road users can keep up to date with the NZTA Journey Planner.