The Pekatahi Bridge on State Highway 2 near Taneatua is closed with the Whakatane River flooding the road there. The NZ Transport Agency is reporting the road was closed at 7.30am following the washout.

The Whakatane River is due to peak soon after 11am.

Motorists are being diverted from the Pekatahi Bridge down State Highway 30 via Ohope and down Wainui Road to State Highway 2.