NZ Transport Agency

24 July 2012 – 4.30 pm

Update on state highway conditions - Coromandel and Western Bay of Plenty

The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) expects to fully reinstate access to SH2 and SH25 later today. However there are still some remaining cleanup operations underway following the recent severe weather event. The NZTA is advising motorists to continue to take care on state highways around the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty until this work is complete.

Coromandel:

• The Karangahake Gorge on State Highway 2 between Waihi and Paeroa is expected to reopen by 5.00 pm tonight.

• State Highway 25 between Thames and Coromandel Town is now open. Motorists are being cautioned to take care as debris is still being cleared from this stretch of SH25. There are also small slips at various locations sectioned off with road cones.

• A section of State Highway 25 between Coromandel Town and Whitianga affected by a major slip west of Te Rerenga (before Quarry Road) is expected to reopen to temporary two lane access by later tonight. The road will be back to single lane access during the day tomorrow, to assist road crews on the continuing clean up. Motorists should continue to take care when travelling through this area.

• State Highway 29 on the lower Kaimais (Waikato side) - the cleanup is continuing in relation to some isolated small slips and a number of pot holes. Contractors confirm there are no delays to traffic and both lanes are open – but motorists are asked to take care when travelling through the clean up areas.

Bay of Plenty:

• Both lanes through SH2 Athenree Gorge are now open, although speed restrictions will remain in place until all slip material has been removed from the area. This is likely to be later this week, weather dependent.
• Also SH2 at Apata has now reopened to two lanes and is back to its 100km speed limit, after a slip closed the road between Katikati and Tauranga earlier today.

• SH30 at Rotoma Hill - there are isolated slips. The road is open but drivers still need to take care.

Ms Boyt says the NZTA will continue to closely monitor all roads within the area as rain eases off today and tomorrow. “If drivers must travel we urge that they take extreme care on the highways, drive to the conditions, and allow more time for their journeys so that they can reach their destination safely.”

Ms Boyt says before starting their journey people should check with the NZTA's freephone 0800 4 HIGHWAYS or 0800 44 44 49, or its website www.highwayinfo.govt.nz for up-to-the-minute info on road conditions.

ENDS

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