State Highway 2, from the northern entry to the Waioeka Gorge through to Matawai, will be closed on Wednesday.

The highway will be closed from 7am to 4pm to complete remedial work at two slip sites.

"SH2 will be closed between Waioeka Pa Road at the northern end and immediately west of Matawai at the southern end," says a statement from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

"This will allow the sluicing of a recent slip site above the Waioeka Gorge to take place at the same time as a planned replacement of a culvert located approximately 7km from Matawai (on the southern approach to the Motu Bridge), where recent heavy rain caused an underslip that has reduced the width of SH2 to a single lane.

"During the closure period residents from the local communities of Oponae and Waioeka will only be able to head north to Ōpōtiki in an emergency.

"Access south to Matawai will depend on timing, as the road will not be passable when the culvert replacement is taking place."

Emergency vehicles will be able to pass through as required.

NZTA says sluicing the slip site will allow loose material to be removed in a controlled manner, preventing the likelihood of further slips in the future.

"We understand the impact the closure will have to people using the road and the closure ensures that work can be completed as quickly and efficiently as possible at both sites."

For up-to-date information on road works, traffic, detours and delays, drivers are encouraged to visit the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner website.

Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with:

• Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic

• Facebook: facebook.com/NZTAWaikatoBoP
• Twitter: twitter.com/WakaKotahiWaiBP
• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)