An underslip has reduced part of State Highway 2 in Bay of Plenty to one lane.

NZ Transport Agency said the underslip, around 4.3km southeast of Tāneatua in the Waimana Gorge, had deteriorated after wet weather this month.

The slip is around 4.3km southeast of Tāneatua. Photo / NZ Transport Agency

Bay of Plenty system manager Sandra King said the lane closure was required because of pavement cracking. This currently extended about 200mm from the edge line, but was likely to worsen when there’s more wet weather.

“High levels through the Tauranga River following heavy rainfall has caused the underslip,” King said.

“A geotech team is investigating further, and their findings will inform our remediation plan.

Underslip on State Highway 2 in the Waimana Gorge. Photo / NZ Transport Agency

“The road is currently under 24-hour traffic management, but traffic lights will be installed soon.”

The road may need to be fully closed at times to complete repairs.

The agency said it appreciated this was a key freight route between Whakatāne and Ōpōtiki and it was working on a solution as quickly as possible.