Flooding closes roads

Motorists are experiencing significant delays travelling from Tauranga to Papamoa today with one section of State Highway 2 closed due to flooding.

NZTA has closed one lane between Bruce Road and Domain Road and northbound motorists are being diverted down Domain Road, while southbound traffic is being allowed to continue along SH2.

 
Flooding is closing roads in the Bay of Plenty.

Bay of Plenty State Highway manager, Brett Gliddon, says due to the heavy rain, surface flooding has caused a number of potholes in areas which were resealed late last week.

“Contractors are working to repair the road, the northbound lane is currently closed and a short detour is in place.

“Repairs are being carried out as quickly as possible to enable the highway to be restored to two lanes by morning. We ask motorists to reduce their speed and take extreme care when travelling in this area.”

He says slips are also likely to occur with the quantity of rain that fell and motorists should be careful when driving around the region.

“The weather front is currently moving east and could impact on the Eastern Bay of Plenty, particularly the Waioeka George, Waimana Gorge and Wainui intersection.

“If drivers must travel we urge they take extreme care on the highways, drive to the conditions, and allow more time for their journeys so that they can reach their destinations safely.”

Other road closure which may affect Bay of Plenty residents travelling in or out of the region include: SH2 through Anthenree Gorge is down to one lane, SH2 through Karangahake Gorge, SH26 through Paeroa, SH26 in Te Aroha and SH25 from Thames to Whitianga.

Brett says it is likely these roads will be closed for around 4-5 hours depending on how fast the contractors work to repair the damage caused and how long it takes for flood waters to recede.