A second closure planned for State Highway 2, through the Waioeka Gorge, is now no longer needed.

A massive effort by contractors during a set of road closure of State Highway 2 between Matawai and Ōpōtiki in the Waioeka Gorge on Sunday, October 9, has seen culvert replacement and maintenance work completed ahead of schedule, says a statement from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

This means the second set of closures this Sunday, October 16, has been cancelled.

Tairāwhiti Gisborne journey manager Andre Taylor says the closure, which was in place from 7am to 12 noon and 1pm to 5.30pm, ensured contractors were able to safely replace the culvert in an area where the road is too narrow to safely allow traffic to pass while the work is underway.

'Crews also made the most of the road closure to carry out slip clearance, chipseal repairs, pothole filling, litter and debris clearance, sign repairs and cleaning, and water table, culvert and drainage cleaning and clearing.

'We appreciate everyone's patience while we undertook this important work to help ensure safe, resilient journeys on SH2 through the Waioeka Gorge ahead of the summer holiday season.”

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• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)

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