UPDATE 7pm:

Crews have been working hard all day, despite the rain, to clear debris across the south-western Waikato state highway network. 

SH39 between Otorohanga north and Puketotara/Ngutuniu Road will open tonight no earlier than 9pm, with some shoulder closures and speed restriction in place.

SH39 between Te Tahi Road intersection and McClure Street in Pirongia is also set to reopen tonight, no earlier than 9pm.

SH31 from Tihiroa to the intersection of SH39 and Ngutuniu Road will remain closed overnight due to slips still blocking the road.

People are urged not to travel on these roads unless it is essential. If you must travel, drive with care and to the conditions and expect to come across active work sites, machinery, and speed restrictions.

State Highway 39 (SH39) will remain closed for some time after the Mangati Stream Bridge south of Pirongia was severely damaged in Friday evening’s downpour. A full replacement bridge or temporary bridge will be required before this road can reopen.

There is resident-only access to the closure point from the north.

SH39 south of the bridge to Otorohanga and SH31-Kawhia Road from the SH39 intersection to Ngutunui Road remains closed. 

Despite the rain today, crews are continuing work on SH39 from the closure south to Otorohanga and SH31 from Ngutunui out to Otorohanga, with the aim of cleaning and clearing it by the end of the day. Rain is slowing this process so a further update will be provided on progress this evening. 

Unfortunately on SH31, the rain has made slip clean up too dangerous for teams on the ground and we do not anticipate that the section between Ngutuniu and Tihiroa will be able to open today. 

Traffic to and from Kawhia is using Ngutunui Road from SH39 and linking to Te Awamutu (north) and Otorohanga (south) via Te Kawa Road.

The Mangaorongo Stream Bridge on SH3 just north of Otorohanga is now open under speed restrictions and delays can be expected. Flooding saw the bridge closed until last night and while water levels have receded, the bridge is being closely monitored.

People are urged not to travel on these roads unless it is essential. If you must travel, drive with care and to the conditions and expect to come across active work sites, machinery, and speed restrictions.