10:25pm – More of SH35 now open; convoys from Monday

Another section of State Highway 35 has now reopened – the stretch between Tikitiki and Taurangakoau Bridge.

That means the southern starting point for tomorrow’s convoys to Te Araroa will now start at Taurangakoau Bridge, rather than Tikitiki.

From tomorrow (Monday), the stretch of road between Taurangakoau Bridge and Te Araroa will open to public traffic for three intervals during the day.

Those three intervals will last for half an hour each:

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

4:24pm – More of SH35 to open to public for 30 minute intervals from Monday

Crews will be reopening State Highway 35 between Tikitiki and Te Araroa for three 30 minute intervals from tomorrow.

SH35 remains open between Gisborne and Tikitiki with lower speeds and traffic management in multiple areas, following last week’s flooding and slips.

The flooding also washed away part of the Taurangakoau bridge south of Te Araroa.

Crews have been working as quickly as possible to repair the bridge and restore access across the Mangaowira Stream.

From tomorrow (Monday), the stretch of road between Tikitiki and Te Araroa will open to public traffic for 3 intervals during the day:

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

During these intervals, crews will pilot drivers through. Please be aware that access will be stopped if there are further slips or any safety concerns. The safety of drivers is of paramount importance.

The road will be closed overnight as it remains too unsafe to drive at night.

Pōtaka to Hicks Bay
Crews have also been working from the Pōtaka end of SH35 clearing a one-lane track. This work will continue during the coming days.

Assessments continue
As work is underway to clear slips and open lanes as quickly and safely as possible, Geotech engineers are continuing to assess sites and review drone footage, with engineers planning to be on the ground from tomorrow.

Drive safely
Please continue to drive to the conditions and with extreme care, as the road will be slippery with mud. There is a lot of traffic management in place throughout the sections of SH35 that are open, so it’s imperative people adhere to traffic management and lower speeds, as crews remain on the road.