State Highway 2 through the Waioweka Gorge has reopened to the public under single-lane, controlled access after three weeks of intensive recovery work.
The route, which links Ōpōtiki in the Eastern Bay of Plenty with Matawai in Tairāwhiti, was closed after severe weather caused flooding and multiple landslips through the gorge.
“Ever since the recent severe weather caused flooding and landslips that completely closed the gorge, NZ Transport Agency and its contractors have been working incredibly hard to re-establish this vital connection between Ōpōtiki (Eastern Bay of Plenty) and Matawai (Tairāwhiti),” Transport Minister Chris Bishop says.
NZ Transport Agency has confirmed one lane reopened at 7am on Monday, February 9, for essential travel only, operating under piloted convoy conditions.
“It’s difficult to overstate how big the task has been for the crews on the ground,” Bishop says.
“Crews have been working from both ends of the gorge, clearing massive slips, blocked culverts and widespread debris at 40 sites, including eight sites with severe damage.”
Bishop says geotechnical investigations have confirmed the road is safe to reopen, but warned it remains an active worksite and could close again at short notice if conditions change.
“While geotechnical investigations have confirmed that the road is safe, it’s still an active worksite, people should only travel if they must, and be prepared for the road to close at short notice if weather conditions or risk assessments change,” he says.
“While restoring access is important, doing it safely is critical. This is a vulnerable route and NZTA is actively monitoring for any further slip movement.”
Crews will continue working alongside the reopened lane to clear remaining debris, improve drainage and reopen culverts to reduce the risk of further damage.
“I expect this stretch of SH2 will remain a worksite for some time. People should travel with extreme care and be mindful of workers on the road. Give them a friendly wave as you travel through,” Bishop says.
Motorists are being urged to allow extra time and arrive early at convoy departure points.
“Anyone planning to travel in the convoy is advised to allow plenty of extra time to get to the departure point. Convoys will be leaving promptly on schedule,” Bishop says.
Convoys will operate in a single direction three times daily in each direction across the 37km gorge section, with pilot vehicles controlling speed.
Gisborne-bound convoys will depart from Historic Tauranga Bridge at 7am, 11am and 5pm.
Ōpōtiki-bound convoys will depart from Matawai at the Te Wera Rd intersection at 9am, 1pm and 7pm.
