The NZ Transport Agency is asking motorists to stay up to date with road conditions between Opotiki and Gisborne, SH2, as severe weather may mean the Waioeka Gorge will close today at 3pm as a safety precaution.

Transport Agency Regional Transport System Manager Rob Campbell asks those planning to travel over the next 24 hours to check the Transport Agency's Journey Planner website, www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz, or ring 0800 44 44 49 to stay up to date with the latest conditions.

'We will continue to monitor the weather forecast closely," says Rob.

"The road is likely to have a delayed opening tomorrow morning, but we will announce any changes to road access as soon as possible to ensure motorists have enough time to plan their journey.

"We apologise to motorists for the disruption this may cause and we continue to assure those affected are working as hard as possible to restore 24 hour access to the road as soon as possible."