18 May 2011

Recent heavy rain has caused slips and lane closures across State Highways around the eastern Bay of Plenty.

The NZTA’s acting Bay of Plenty State Highway Manager Richard Young said bad weather was wreaking havoc with roads around the region causing a number of closures and delays.

“We understand the inconvenience the closures cause, our contractors are working hard to clear the highways and reopen them as quickly as possible,” said Mr Young.

The current status of highways in the region:

SH35 Hawai (28KM from Opotiki) – Slips have been cleared and Hawai is now re-opened. Motorists are asked to drive with caution.

SH35 Omaio – Open with work continuing to remove a build up of storm water and debris from slips. Traffic is flowing through this area, under caution and with speed restrictions.

SH30 near Awakeri - Remains closed to traffic. A diversion is in place along SH2 and Western Drain Road.

SH35 Maraenui hill re-alignment – Fully open to all traffic with delays as construction on the bypass continues.

SH2 Waimana and Waioeka Gorges - Fully open to traffic, however caution is advised in wet weather.

Mr Young asks that motorists take extra care in poor weather and thanks motorists for their patience.

Updates can be found on the NZTA’s road condition website: www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/current-conditions/highway-info/

ENDS

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