8:20pm – SH2 Matatā to Edgecumbe remains one lane this evening

SH2 between Matatā and Edgecumbe remains open to one lane under stop/go traffic management. There will be a temporary speed limit in place. We expect to be able to provide a further update tomorrow.

5:15pm – SH2 Matatā to Edgecumbe opens to 2 lanes today

Two lanes will be open later today on SH2 between Matatā and Edgecumbe, with a temporary speed limit of 50km/h.

Over the weekend road and rail crews have worked side-by-side to restore the state highway and railway networks. The teams thank road users for their patience while the road was initially closed to allow it to be cleared, and then down to one lane to accommodate the final track repairs.

Further road repairs will be required for this section of SH2, which may include the installation of new culverts before a final seal is applied. NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi will provide further updates once the timeframes for this work are confirmed.

For exact opening times, please keep an eye on NZTA’s Journey Planner.

SH 2 Opotiki to Matawai (Waioweka Gorge) 

This section of road remains closed. The aim is to restore at least one lane of access as soon as possible. The timing and format of this reopening is not yet known; we expect to provide an update later this week.

In total, crews are currently working to clear 13 overslips; 4 underslips (where the road has partially crumbled away) and 20 areas where mud, trees and other debris are strewn across the road.

Seven additional sites have been identified as blocking both lanes.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Controller SH2 Waioweka Gorge Response and Recovery Rob Service says the road and the land around it is still saturated with water.

“There’s a big job ahead still – although crews are making excellent progress on both sides.

“We know how critical this road is for freight and for travel through to Tairāwhiti and we’re working as quickly as we can to restore that access, but it must be done safely.”

SH35 Pōtaka

State Highway 35 remains closed at Pōtaka, restricting access through to Hicks Bay and beyond.

Crews are working to clear multiple slips in the area which are covering the road, including the biggest slip, which saw about 200,000 cubic metres of land slide onto and over the road. That’s the equivalent of around 6 and a half thousand HPMV truck movements of soil.

Community support

We know these closures are disruptive and crews are working as hard as they can to restore access and we’re really grateful for everyone’s support. That public support makes our job that much easier. Especially when it comes to adhering to traffic management, and taking it easy on the roads that are open.

For the latest information on closures and roadworks, please visit NZTA’s Journey Planner.