Over the course of 48 hours, the region experienced a staggering 320mm of rainfall, which is double the usual January average. This intense weather resulted in gullies transforming into cascading waterfalls, culverts becoming overwhelmed and blocked, and debris flows obstructing the road.
Despite dedicated efforts by maintenance crews over the weekend to clear the affected area between Mātāwai and Ōpōtiki, the New Zealand Transport Agency has indicated that the situation is more complicated than initially anticipated. Roger Brady, the Waikato and Bay of Plenty manager for maintenance and operations, emphasized that the extensive damage caused by the numerous slips and ongoing debris poses significant challenges that cannot be swiftly resolved.
With an estimated 40 slips, including several larger ones, the closure of State Highway 2 is expected to last longer than initially predicted due to uncertainties surrounding the road’s condition beneath the debris. Motorists are advised to either postpone their travels if possible or factor in additional time for the lengthy detour via State Highway 35 or State Highway 5, which adds approximately five hours to the journey between Mātāwai and Ōpōtiki.
The NZ Transport Agency will be closely monitoring and maintaining the detour route to ensure safe and accessible passage for motorists.
