Roading crews throughout Taranaki are working to open as much of the state highway network as quickly as possible, following heavy rainfall in the region.

As at 12.45pm:

• 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 CLOSED (between Whangamomona and Taumaranui – although non-essential travel along the entire route is not advised) 
• SH4 Whanganui to Raetihi CLOSED but it will open as scheduled this afternoon, following the completion of planned repair work

Crews are currently onsite at SH43 and at Awakino Gorge working to clear slips and debris from those state highways.

Crews are also continuing to assess damage from potholes on the network, as a result of the heavy rain.

The southbound lane of State Highway 3 at Mt Messenger will remain closed over the weekend, with geotechnical experts examining the slip below the road.

Please avoid unnecessary travel if possible, and expect delays of at least 25 minutes.

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 later this afternoon.

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