Several days of heavy rain across Northland, with up to 238.5mm recorded near Matauri Bay in the last 24 hours, have caused flooding, minor slips and fallen trees across parts of the state highway network. Despite this, the network has held up well overall.

Our contractors have been actively responding across the region throughout the weather event, inspecting the network, monitoring known at risk locations and managing flooding and debris to keep roads safe and accessible.

Current network status:

SH10 Kaeo – CLOSED 
Significant flooding is still affecting this area. Traffic management crews are on site monitoring the situation. High tide is at 11:06am this morning. A detour to the Far North is available via SH1 through Mangamuka / Kaitaia.

SH1 Whakapara – NOW OPEN 
This section experienced overnight flooding but has now reopened. Road users should still expect delays as water continues to recede.

SH1 Mangamuka Gorge – OPEN

The gorge remained open throughout the weather event. With all the recent recovery work completed it is performing very well.

SH1 Brynderwyn Hills – OPEN

The Brynderwyn Hills remained open throughout the weather event. A small slip occurred yesterday evening, closing one lane while crews cleared the material. The slip was cleared just after 9pm. The recent recovery works created additional space to allow for slips to be cleared without closing the highway.

Across the wider network, floodwaters are beginning to drop, and crews are now focused on clearing remaining debris and addressing minor pavement issues as they emerge.

The focus over the coming hours is managing any remaining closures, continuing inspections across the region and attending to debris, drainage issues and pavement repairs as they arise. Contractors may be working on or near the road in multiple locations, so please slow down through work sites and follow their directions.

While conditions are improving, essential travel only is recommended in areas still experiencing flooding or where crews are working on the roadside.

If you travel:

• Expect delays, especially near SH10 Kaeo and SH1 Whakapara
• Drive to the conditions and slow down where visibility is reduced
• Increase following distances
• Use headlights during rain
• Be alert for fallen debris or surface water – conditions can change quickly and you don’t always know what’s around the next corner

Plan for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with:

• Traffic updates
• Facebook
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• Journey Planner
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)

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