Following the SH2 Waiotahe Beach slip on Wednesday, work has commenced today, October 21 to remove material from the slip site.

"The road will not be open today, however contractors will be back on-site tomorrow morning, Saturday 22 October, to continue the removal of material," says a Waka Kotahi NZTA spokesperson.

"When possible single lane access will be reinstated at the slip, and at this point in time eastbound traffic will be allowed to continue on State Highway 2, and westbound traffic will use the existing detour route via Paerata Ridge Road, Verrall Road, Waiotahi Valley Back Road and Waiotahi Valley Road.

"There will be traffic management at the slip site and drivers should be prepared to stop on request.

"The speed limit on the detour route is 50km/h. Over-dimension and vehicles weighing above 50T are still unable to use the detour route, and will need to travel via routes utilising State highway 5.

"A further update will be provided on Tuesday 25 October."

Road users are advised to check the Journey Planner (www.journeys.govt.nz) and the Waka Kotahi Waikato and Bay of Plenty social channels for up-to-date information over the long weekend.

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

· COVID-19 services update: nzta.govt.nz/COVID19

· 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)