Media Release
6 April 2017
UPDATE 4.50PM

Several roads in Waikato district remain closed

Several roads have re-opened this afternoon but many will remain closed overnight until teams can inspect the roads for hazards.

• Rotowaro Road and Hangapipi Road, Huntly is now open
• Waingaro Road, Ngaruawahia is now fully open
• The Tuakau Bridge-Port Waikato Road is now open. Driver caution is advised as there is still debris and slippery surfaces along this route. Traffic management is in place in and around the slip area.
• Waitetuna Valley Road, Te Uku, is also open.
• Old Mountain Road, Raglan (at 6km mark) – planned to be open by the end of today.

Unfortunately River Road in Tuakau remains closed and opening it to one lane is not an option at this stage due to the risk of further material falling. The team is currently organising for a drone flight in order to assess the slope stability further up.

The following roads remain closed or partially closed due to flooding and/or slips:
• Richardson Road, near Waikaretu
• Highway 22 north of Glen Murray (one lane)
• Klondyke Road, Onewhero
• Allen and Eyre Road, Tuakau (one lane)
• Ponganui Road, Onewhero (one lane)
• Pioneer Road, Pokeno
• Te Hoe, Orini Road and Tenfoot Road, Orini/Taupiri
• Brien Road, Onewhero
• Venna Fry Lane, Huntly
• Blackett Road, Whatawhata, due to flooding
• Koheroa Road, Mercer
• River Road, Tuakau

Today teams assessed the situation around the district, which included checking properties and ensuring residents were safe.

People are advised to take care. There is still significant debris and roads are slippery. When driving on the roads please exercise extreme caution.

Rivers will remain at a high level for the foreseeable future and this means that already flooded areas are unlikely to recede quickly.

Boaties are asked to stay clear of power lines crossing local rivers. Particular care is
required on the Waipa River approximately 150 metres south of Maori Point Road (Whatawhata) where, due to flooding and rising river levels the clearance conditions have been compromised. Any concerns or questions please contact WEL Networks on 0800 800 935.

For safety reasons, people are advised that all walking tracks in our district, including the Hakarimata track, should be avoided until further notice.

If you are concerned about flooding or your welfare or the welfare of others, please phone 0800 492 452 or if in you are in immediate danger call 111.

Should water levels rise and threaten homes residents are urged to evacuate to higher ground and to notify us as soon as possible. People are reminded to drive safely through flood waters and to avoid affected areas if possible.

Stay informed
• www.metservice.co.nz
• www.civildefence.govt.nz
• www.facebook.com/waikatodistrictcouncil
• www.twitter.com/waikatodistrict
• www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz

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