State Highway 46 Open Between Turangi and National Park
 
Taupo Civil Defence is confirming that state highway 46 between Turangi and National Park is open at this stage.
 
Emergency services had checked the highway this morning after a culvert under the road became blocked at about the midway point, causing the highway to become covered in muddy water.
 
But Taupo civil defence spokesman Phil Parker said the situation was quite a normal one for the area and hadn’t been caused by heavy flows of debris thrown out by the recent eruption of Mt Tongariro.
 
“We will keep the situation under close observation and advise if the situation changes,” said Mr Parker.
 
Earlier, GNS had advised of the potential for mud and debris flows in the area in the wake of the eruption, a possibility increased by heavy rain
 
Motorists are advised that they should avoid stopping while travelling along state highway 46 to help avoid the risk of being caught up in any such flows.

ENDS