SH5 to remain closed overnight

The NZ Transport Agency is advising State Highway 5 between Napier and Taupo will remain closed overnight due to multiple slips and surface flooding along the route.

NZTA’s Journey Manager Oliver Postings says crews are working hard to reopen the road, but challenging conditions and large amounts of slip material spread across the route are making for tough going.

“No official detour is available so any trip between Napier and Taupo would likely involve having to drive to Palmerston North and then back up. This will add hours on to your journey and given the deteriorating weather, NZTA is advising road users to delay any unnecessary travel,” Mr Postings says.

“The safety of road user is our top priority so if you can’t delay travel, please be cautious and drive to the conditions.”

“Next official update is at 10am in the morning- All updates will be posted on our website and social media pages. We will be endeavoring to open the road tomorrow - but we must stress that safety of road users is our main focus.”

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