Civil Defence has declared a state of emergency across Tarawhiti as heavy rain continues to impact the district. MetService has warned that the heavy rain may cause stream and rivers to rise rapidly.

Waka Kotahi National Journey Manager Helen Harris says Waka Kotahi is monitoring the situation closely.

“The state highways are still open, however conditions are changing quickly so crews are on standby ready to implement any necessary road closures should the weather get too dangerous for motorists,” Ms Harris says.

“We’re already seeing surface flooding on the roads and expect that we may also see slips as the rain continues, so we’re urging everyone to please take extra care if driving and to avoid travel altogether, if possible.

“For motorists who do need to travel in these tricky conditions, please keep speeds down, maintain a safe following distance and stay alert. Expect the unexpected – potholes or debris may have appeared on the road beneath the surface flooding which may not be visible, so drive carefully.

“There’s a lot going on in the region at the moment, with some people having to be evacuated. Please avoid stopping or slowing down to observe these situations as this will just cause delays and congestion for people trying to get home safely.”

Waka Kotahi will advise of any road closures on our social media pages or the Journey Planner webpage. Motorists who do need to travel are advised to check these before heading out, as well as the MetService website for the weather forecast.

Journey Planner – Gisborne
Metservice – Gisborne

Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with:

• COVID-19 services update: nzta.govt.nz/COVID19
• Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic
• Facebook: facebook.com/WakaKotahiHBG
• Twitter: twitter.com/WakaKotahiCNI
• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)

The change in road layout will see the two northbound lanes of State Highway 2 (heading towards Mount Maunganui) move outwards, closer to Golf 360, and the two southbound lanes (heading towards Papamoa) move outwards, closer to the Bayfair Shopping Centre.

The purpose of this traffic switch is to enable the creation of a work zone in the middle of SH2 so construction can progress on the underpass’ central section (a 60-metre open-air trench), two bridge piers for the Bayfair flyover, and the flyover’s northern approach ramp.

The traffic switch was initially scheduled to take place overnight on Tuesday 9 November. This date has been brought forward due to the impact of anticipated wet weather conditions on preparatory works for the switch, such as line-marking.

In preparation for the traffic switch, a series of night works have been underway since 31 October. After the traffic switch, further night works will take place to complete the required follow-up work. These works are scheduled to continue until Thursday 11 November and will take place from approximately 7.00pm until 5.00am the following morning (finishing Friday morning).

Lane closures will be necessary during night works. The traffic switch is not expected to impact the existing pedestrian and cycling route throughout the site.

People are encouraged to take extra care driving through the Bay Link site while road users adjust to the new layout.  Motorists should reduce speed and follow the directions provided by traffic management staff and signs. A 30km/h temporary speed limit is in place around the Bayfair roundabout for the duration of the Bay Link project to protect road workers and ensure the safety of everyone travelling through the roundabout.

Waka Kotahi would like to acknowledge Bayfair Shopping Centre and Golf 360, and thank local businesses, residents and motorists for their patience while this work is carried out.

In the event of unsuitable weather or other unforeseen circumstances, work may be postponed.

For more information about the Bay Link project or to subscribe to updates, visit:
nzta.govt.nz/baylink

View larger map

Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with:

• COVID-19 services update: nzta.govt.nz/COVID19
• Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic
• Facebook: facebook.com/NZTAWaikatoBoP
• Twitter: twitter.com/WakaKotahiWaiBP
• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)

A tomo has formed in the westbound lane (Tauranga-bound lane), on the Waitahanui Stream Bridge, between Waitahanui Lane and Otamarakau Valley Road.

Contractors will be on-site from 12.30pm to investigate and undertake urgent repairs. Due to site width constraints, intermittent closures will be required between 1.30pm and 3.30pm to ensure the safety of road workers and road users will repairs are underway. Delays of between five and ten minutes should be expected.

Visit the interactive Waka Kotahi Journey Planner website for the latest information on the roadworks, traffic and delays to help plan your trip.

Journey Planner

Waka Kotahi thanks motorists for their patience.

Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with:

• COVID-19 services update: govt.nz/COVID19
• Traffic updates: nzta.govt.nz/traffic
• Facebook: facebook.com/NZTAWaikatoBoP
• Twitter: twitter.com/WakaKotahiWaiBP
• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)

The five-night road closures enables road crews to safely undertake essential maintenance and slip prevention works for the safety of all road users.

Crews will also use the closures to set up an off-road worksite in preparation for retrieving the container and trailer that remain down the bank following the recent fatal truck crash. The retrieval operation will take place during the daytime under a closure of the slow lane and a 50km/h speed limit passing the site. Waka Kotahi will provide an update about the retrieval operation once details are finalised.

While these closure dates are fixed, bad weather or Covid-19 restrictions may cause works to be cancelled, possibly at short notice.

Motorists are advised to plan ahead. A limited escorted vehicle service is available for people who must cross the Remutaka Hill during these closures.

Bookings are essential as numbers are limited for your safety and the safety of workers at multiple sites across the hill.

Bookings should be done by: Friday 5 November by emailing: email hidden; JavaScript is required.

Health and safety protocols will include people staying in their vehicle at all times and wearing a mask for any interactions with road staff.

Access will be available for emergency services throughout the closure.

Information on the Remutaka Hill closures, including the full schedule of planned closures up to June 2022 

Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with:

• COVID-19 services update: nzta.govt.nz/COVID19
• Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/wellington
• Facebook: facebook.com/NZTAWgtn
• Twitter: twitter.com/WakaKotahiWgtn
• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/wellington
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)