The NZ Transport Agency is advising SH2 Waimana Gorge will remain closed until early next week due to a large slip.

Bay of Plenty Systems Manager Rob Campbell says our contractors are working to clear the slip and geotechnical engineers are currently making initial assessments of the stability of the site.

“We have used helicopters today and will again tomorrow to sluice the area which will help clear the remaining unstable rocks and materials.

“However, until geotechnical have finished their assessments it’s too early to tell when the road will fully re-open safely to motorists. At this stage we are expecting it to be the beginning of next week.

The NZ Transport Agency thanks road users for their understanding and patience.

“The site of the slip is the same area that was affected by cyclone Debbie last year, although this time the material has fallen from the middle of the slope rather than the top. Although the volume which has come down is only around 600m3 as it is at the site of an old slip we need to reassess the stability of the site before we are confident we can safely re-open to motorists, says Rob”

If travelling, we ask motorists to use SH2 through Whakatane and Ohope as an alternative route.

“We appreciate the partnership we have with Whakatane Council that allow heavy traffic to flow through their township on occasions like this. We apologise for any inconvenience that this will cause.” says Rob.

We will continue to provide updates on our social media and the NZTA website.

To stay updated:

•Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)

•Website: nzta.govt.nz/traffic

•Facebook: facebook.com/NZTAWaikatoBoP/ (external link)

•Twitter: twitter.com/nztawaibop (external link)

•Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz

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