20 Oct 2022 | 06:41 AM UTC
New Zealand: Section of State Highway 2 closed on North Island as of Oct. 20 due to a landslide
State Highway 2 near Waiotahe Beach remains closed on North Island, New Zealand, as of Oct. 20. Transport disruptions likely.
Event
Authorities have closed a portion of State Highway 2 (SH2) near Waiotahe Beach in Bay of Plenty, North Island, as of Oct. 20. A large landslide is blocking a section of the highway between Waiotahi Valley Back and Paerata Ridge roads. The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has not indicated when the road will be operational, but the agency could not complete initial assessments because of safety concerns.
Transport disruptions between Tauranga and Gisborne are likely until repairs are complete. NZTA has established a detour via Waiotahi Valley, Waiotahi Valley Back, Verrall, and Paerata Ridge roads. However, officials will prioritize essential freight and lead single-direction traffic on the detour route in one-hour intervals from mid-morning Oct. 21. Similar actions are likely until SH2 reopens. Oversized vehicles and those weighing more than 50,000 tonnes (55,000 tons) must use State Highway 5. Both detour options are likely to increase travel time significantly. Shipping delays are possible in the region.
The incident site is approximately 95 km (59 miles) southeast of Tauranga.
Advice
Confirm traffic conditions on alternative routes before driving or routing shipments; allow additional time to reach destinations between Gisborne and Tauranga.
