Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency warns road users to expect more closures as slips and flooding caused by the arrival of Cyclone Gabrielle jeopardise safe travel on State Highways in the Coromandel and East Waikato.
Road users are advised to plan ahead and, if travel is essential, to leave sooner rather than later to get through the Karangahake Gorge.
It is very likely that flooding will force the closure of State Highway 2 through the Karangahake Gorge later today.
River levels are expected to peak around 7pm this evening, however flooding is likely well before then.
In addition, the stop-gates on State Highway 26 on the Paeroa College side of the bridge may also need to be used, which will result in an additional road closure.
Close monitoring is in place.
Extreme caution is advised in all areas in the region. People are advised to stay home and not drive today and tomorrow if possible as the situation is expected to deteriorate as Cyclone Gabrielle approaches. Staying home keeps you safe and also helps our contractors move around the network more efficiently, speeding up response times. Slips can occur anywhere on the roading network.
If you must travel, please check the Journey Planner for the most up to date information on incidents on the network.
Journey Planner(external link)
More closures expected in Coromandel and on SH2
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency warns road users to expect more closures as slips and flooding caused by the arrival of Cyclone Gabrielle jeopardise safe travel on State Highways in the Coromandel and East Waikato.
Road users are advised to plan ahead and, if travel is essential, to leave sooner rather than later to get through the Karangahake Gorge.
It is very likely that flooding will force the closure of State Highway 2 through the Karangahake Gorge later today.
River levels are expected to peak around 7pm this evening, however flooding is likely well before then.
In addition, the stop-gates on State Highway 26 on the Paeroa College side of the bridge may also need to be used, which will result in an additional road closure.
Close monitoring is in place.
Extreme caution is advised in all areas in the region. People are advised to stay home and not drive today and tomorrow if possible as the situation is expected to deteriorate as Cyclone Gabrielle approaches. Staying home keeps you safe and also helps our contractors move around the network more efficiently, speeding up response times. Slips can occur anywhere on the roading network.
If you must travel, please check the Journey Planner for the most up to date information on incidents on the network.
Journey Planner(external link)
Update on closures as of 2.30pm
SH2 Paeroa to Waihi – via Karangakake Gorge – Open but expect closure
The gorge may need to be closed later today due to flooding.
SH25 Thames to Coromandel: Open – essential travel only
Multiple fallen trees and debris obstructing and blocking lanes along the length of the Thames Coast.
Note – Flooding is expected later this afternoon at the Kauaeranga River spillway just near the airfield in Thames which may close SH25 here.
SH25 Coromandel to Kūaotunu: Closed in areas
A slip is blocking both lanes on the Coromandel/ Whangapoua Hill and there are multiple trees down.
Due to slips, surface flooding, fallen vegetation and debris – extreme caution is advised.
SH25 Kūaotunu to Whitianga: Closed
Closed at Wharekaho South and Brophy’s Beach, Whitianga due to flooding.
Extreme caution advised.
SH25 Whitianga to Hikuai – Open but essential travel only. Extreme caution is advised.
SH25 Hikuai to Waihi – Open
Due to small slips, debris on the road and surface flooding – extreme caution is advised.
A tree is blocking one lane between Whangamata to Hikuai but the road is passable.
SH26 Morrinsville to Te Aroha – Closed
A fallen tree is blocking SH26 immediately south of Te Aroha, near Grattan Road
SH25A – Fully closed over full length
Powerlines down on Kopu side of summit slip closure.
SH26 Te Aroha to Paeroa and SH26 between Paeroa to Kopu – Open
This is an evolving situation and can change at any time.
