Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is advising people to plan ahead for upcoming closures on State Highway 2 between Ōpōtiki and Matawai in the Waioeka Gorge.

On Sunday, October 9, and Sunday, October 16, the highway will be closed for a culvert replacement near Matawai.

The road will remain open between Gisborne and Matawai, says a spokesperson for the roading agency.

"The closures will run from 7am-12noon and 1pm-5:30pm both days, and allow contractors to safely replace culverts where the road is too narrow to safely allow traffic to pass while the work is underway. Crews will also be making the most of the closure to undertake general maintenance work between Matawai and Ōpōtiki.

"The detour route is via State Highway 35 and will add up to five hours to a journey. People may also wish to consider timing their travel to get from Matawai to Ōpōtiki, and vice versa, during the window between 12 noon and 1pm when the road reopens, before closing again for the afternoon on both days."

These works are dependent on weather and maybe adjusted or postponed on short notice. People are encouraged to visit the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner website (journeys.nzta.govt.nz) for up-to-date information on the works before they head off.

"Waka Kotahi thanks everyone for their patience while this important work takes place."

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

• Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic
• Facebook: facebook.com/NZTAHBG
• Twitter: twitter.com/WakaKotahiCNI
• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)

We have a vision of zero deaths and serious injuries on New Zealand roads. Learn more about:

• Road to Zero - our plan to achieve this vision
• Our vision – video explaining Road to Zero and what we're trying to achieve
• What Waka Kotahi is doing to support Road to Zero