Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
State Highway 2 remains closed between Waiotahi Valley Back Road and Paerata Ridge Road until further notice due to a large slip at Waiotahe Beach.
The pōhutukawa trees above the slip face are very precarious and will need to be removed before any slip clearance can begin. In addition the slip face is still moving today making it unsafe for any activities, beyond the geotechnical risk assessment.
Arborists will begin removing the dangerous trees tomorrow morning and NZTA contractors will begin clearing the earth and debris as soon as it’s safe to do so.
This is a substantial slip and SH2 is likely to be closed for a number of days.
NZTA will update the community and road users as soon as we have more information.
Road users should allow extra time for the detour which is:
- east bound traffic: Right onto Waiotahi Valley Back Road, Verrall Road, Left Paerata Ridge Road before rejoining SH2.
- west bound traffic in reverse.
Detour is not suitable for heavy vehicles.