22 Jul 2022 | 08:19 AM UTC
New Zealand: Section of State Highway 35 to remain closed in Bay of Plenty as of July 22 following road collapse
State Highway 35 to remain closed indefinitely between Opotiki and Te Kaha, North Island, New Zealand, as of July 22.
Event
Authorities have closed a portion of State Highway 35 (SH35) between Opotiki and Te Kaha in Bay of Plenty, North Island, as of July 22. A section of the road collapsed, effectively cutting the main link between the Gisborne and Bay of Plenty regions. The New Zealand Transport Agency has not indicated when the road will be operational, but reports suggest repair work could take several weeks.
Transport disruptions between Gisborne and Bay of Plenty will continue until repairs are complete, though officials could reopen one lane of the road before regular traffic resumes. Increased congestion is possible on State Highway 2, the main alternative route between Gisborne’s eastern coast and the Bay of Plenty. Increased demand for goods is possible in towns in the affected area in the near term as residents stock up on supplies. Shipping delays are likely in the region in the coming weeks.
The incident site is approximately 125 km (77 miles) east-southeast of Tauranga.
Advice
Confirm traffic conditions on alternative routes before driving or routing shipments; allow additional time to reach destinations between Gisborne and the Bay of Plenty.
