State Highway 2 through the Waioweka Gorge is expected to remain closed for several weeks following extensive damage caused by severe rainfall and multiple large slips.
More than 322mm of rain fell over 48 hours — around double the area’s average January rainfall — turning gullies into waterfalls, overwhelming and blocking culverts, and triggering widespread debris flows across the road.
Crews have been working throughout the weekend at both ends of the gorge to clear smaller slips to gain access to areas with more significant damage. However, geotechnical investigations and drone surveys have confirmed the situation is more complex than initially anticipated.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Waikato and Bay of Plenty manager for maintenance and operations Roger Brady says the scale of damage means motorists should expect a prolonged closure.
“We want to be upfront that this is not something we can fix in a few days. The damage is significant, and reopening the road safely will likely take a few weeks,” Brady says.
“Our crews are doing everything they safely can, but the sheer number of slips and continuing amount of debris falling mean this is a complex and challenging situation. The safety of our crews will always come first,” he says.
Two major slip sites at either end of the gorge have now been declared safe for work to begin, with crews proceeding cautiously to remove slip material.
The immediate focus is on clearing debris where possible and unblocking culverts so the road surface and underlying structures can be properly assessed once river levels recede.
“Initial estimates indicate up to 40 slips in total, including between four and eight larger slips,” Brady says.
“Given the scale of damage and uncertainty about the condition of the road underneath the debris, we expect the closure to extend well beyond a short-term response.”
Road users are being urged to delay travel where possible or allow additional time for long detours via State Highway 35 or State Highway 5. NZ Transport Agency crews will continue to monitor and maintain detour routes to ensure they remain safe and accessible.
NZTA says further updates will be provided as assessments continue.
