Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Updates on the traffic road conditions of State Highways 33, 35 and 2 (Waimana Gorge and Pukehina).
6pm update to Bay of Plenty state highway closures, slips and flooding
- State Highway 33 remains closed from Paengaroa to State Highway 30 Rotorua
Large slips are cleared and teams are now working on two smaller slips and pothole repairs. Estimated opening now 9pm
- State Highway 2 Pukehina – stop/go
State Highway 2 will remain under stop/go traffic management at the Kaikokopu Bridge at Pukehina overnight. Flood water has not receded.
- State Highway 35 remains CLOSED overnight between Maraenui and Omaio
Contractors have made good progress clearing various slips today. Two teams will return in the morning to clear remaining slips and open the road as soon as possible.
- State Highway 29 Kaimai Ranges
Reports are coming in that a slip is blocking one lane on SH29 near Ruahihi Road on the Tauranga side of the Kaimai Ranges. Contractors are on their way. Road users should expect delays.
This information updates the traffic bulletin below.
State Highway 33
State Highway 33 is CLOSED from Paengaroa to State Highway 30 Rotorua due to several slips and fallen debris. Contractors are working to clear debris and provide traffic control.
If it is safe to do so, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency expects the road will reopen by 6pm.
Motorists are advised to avoid the area.
State Highway 35
State Highway 35 remains CLOSED between Maraenui and Omaio. Waka Kotahi contractors are working tirelessly to clear multiple slips. Due to the large number of slips along this stretch it is unlikely the highway will reopen today.
The detour is via State Highway 2 Waioeka Gorge.
State Highway 2 Waimana Gorge
State Highway 2 Waimana Gorge is now fully OPEN.
Multiple slips closed the road this morning between Station Road, Tanetua and Woodlands Road in Ōpōtiki but have now been cleared.
State Highway 2 Pukehina
State Highway 2 is now OPEN under stop/go traffic management at the Kaikokopu Bridge at Pukehina.
Expect delays due to a 100m stretch of flooding.
We anticipate the flood water is at its highest now – but if the water rises we will have to fully close the road again.
To avoid the flooding, the detour for both directions is via read Wilson Road, Old Coach Road and Pukehina Station Road.
Driving conditions continue to be hazardous around the region so please only drive if essential. Due to the adverse weather, potholes are forming in multiple locations. Contractors are monitoring the situation, but in some areas resources will be prioritised to clearing slips and opening roads.
If you must head out, please take extra care and drive to the conditions. Adjust your speed and keep a good following distance to give yourself the best chance of avoiding hazards.
Check the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner website before heading off for information on which routes are affected by recent bad weather.
Journey Planner(external link)
We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Waka Kotahi thanks everyone for their patience and understanding while we work to re-open roads in the region.
