Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Heavy rain is having a widespread impact on the roading network throughout the Bay of Plenty, with slips, downed trees and flooding causing traffic delays and unsafe conditions.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency advises against all unnecessary travel around the region. Heavy traffic is impacting the ability of contractors to respond quickly to numerous issues.
If they’re on the road already, drivers are advised to drive to the conditions, watch their following distances and expect the unexpected. Potholes will be prevalent and can’t be remedied until the weather eases.
Impacted highways are currently as follows:
- SH2 – a large tree is down, blocking both lanes just south of Ōmokoroa road. (Detour is via Barret Road, Old Highway, Youngson Road).
- SH29 – road is closed due to flooding in the lower Kaimai Ranges.
- SH36 – a slip is blocking both lanes near Roy Road. Surface flooding between Rotorua and Tauranga.
- SH5 – surface flooding near Barnard Road.
- SH30 – surface flooding near Isles Road.
Metservice has issued an orange heavy rain warning and a severe thunderstorm watch for the Bay of Plenty, including Rotorua, from 3pm today to 3am Wednesday.
Rotorua recorded more than 20mm of rain between 3pm and 4pm with more still to come.
This is an evolving event so further impacts are expected.
Motorists are encouraged to visit the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner website (journeys.nzta.govt.nz(external link)).
