Final Cyclone Cook weather and roading update #13 – 8am

Unfortunately, our Civil Defence Controller, Garry Towler, was not available for a live video this morning however here is the latest.

“Mayor Sandra Goudie has arrived at the Council offices to sign the termination of the declaration of the local state of emergency,” says Mr Towler.

“I would like to thank our community for the past few days during the storm, and will now close the Emergency Operating Centre which will allow our 40-plus staff involved to go home for a well-earned break,” he adds.

“A very big thank-you to the roading contractors who have worked 24/7 over the past few weeks now to ensure our roads are safe, give them a wave when you see them out working this Easter weekend,” says Mr Towler.

“Because SH25 (Thames Coast Road) remains closed, we are expecting three times as much traffic on SH25 Tairua-Whitianga and SH25A Kopu-Hikuai. There are still road works and traffic management in place so please, expect delays, add at least 40 minutes to your trip, and drive with caution.

Roading:

Local Council Roads:

· Te Kouma - open to one lane in various places

· Colville Road – open to one lane in various places

· Waiomu Valley Road Ford is impassable due to flooding

· Victoria Creek No.2 Ford is impassable due to flooding

· Kauaeranga Road closed beyond the Visitor Centre and will be closed completely from 12 noon today 13/4

· Black Jack Road (on Opito Bay Hill) is now clear

State Highway network:

· SH25 - Thames Coast Road – (Thames to Coromandel) closed. The road between Tararu and The 309 Road is closed (open to emergency services only). Please avoid this area. Northbound traffic is advised to use SH25a to Whitianga, continuing on to Coromandel. South traffic advised the same in reverse.

Check our TCDC Facebook page for the latest updates on district roads, check NZTA’s website for State Highways , and go to www.metservice.com for the latest weather forecast.

The Whitianga Ferry has resumed normal service.

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