Council is aware of slips around the Wairoa Bridge, and a geotechnical assessment is currently taking place. The bridge remains open to vehicles; however, the cycle lane is closed.

Please avoid any unnecessary travel. Heavy traffic congestion has been reported in Tauranga South and Pyes Pa after an earlier road closure. If you must drive today, take extra care. Roadside embankments are especially susceptible to slips and landslides.

High tide is forecast just after 3pm today which may have an impact on streams, creeks, and other bodies of water. If you come across flooded roads, turn around and do not drive or walk through floodwater.

NZ Transport Agency has provided the following updates:

• SH2 between Wairoa Bridge and Clarke Road – OPEN, shoulder closure on left heading to Te Puna. Cycle path closed at Wairoa Bridge due to slip.
• SH2 between Bethlehem and Waihī overbridge (Takitimu Drive) – OPEN, surface flooding –drive with care.

Further updates will be provided as conditions change.

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