State Highway 2 through the Waioeka Gorge will remain closed for the rest of today as heavy rain continues to impact the eastern Bay of Plenty.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said the closure follows the extension of MetService’s orange heavy rain warning through to 6pm.

The highway will stay shut until conditions improve and a full safety inspection can be carried out, which is expected to take place at first light on Wednesday, June 3, the roading agency said in a media release.

No escorted convoys will be allowed through the Gorge during the closure.

NZTA said closing the route was not a decision taken lightly, given its importance as a key transport link, but safety remains the priority.

The agency used a Trigger Action Response Plan (TARP) to guide decisions during severe weather.

This considered factors such as rainfall intensity, wind, ground conditions and monitoring data, with proactive closures implemented under orange or red weather warnings.

Since the gorge was closed yesterday, further rockfalls and debris have been reported on the road, increasing the risk to motorists.

MetService forecasted a further 60 to 100mm of rain on top of what has already fallen, with peak rates of 10 to 20mm an hour and localised downpours of up to 25 to 40mm an hour possible.

NZTA said the highway would only reopen once it’s confirmed safe, with an update expected after inspections were completed tomorrow morning.