A large section of State Highway 25A Kōpū-Hikuai Rd has collapsed due to a significant slip and is closed until further notice.
The slip, near the summit, collapsed the section of highway on Saturday afternoon after several large storms – including a cyclone, over the past few weeks.
Heavy rain caused the road to be partially closed daily from 7pm until 7am last week so cracks that appeared on the surface of the road could be assessed.
The road was completely closed on Friday after further heavy rain caused the cracks to worsen, isolating Coromandel communities.
Thames-Coromandel Civil Defence says heavy rain is set to intensify again overnight with heavy falls forecast for tomorrow morning, Sunday 29 January, and expected to continue through to Wednesday 1 February.
MetService has issued a new warning (orange) for the Coromandel from midnight Saturday through to noon on Sunday, a further 70mm to 90mm of rain is expected to fall before 6am Sunday.
The Tapu-Coroglen and 309 roads are also closed, and a slip has blocked the Thames Coast at Ruamahanga Bay.
Keep checking NZTA’s website for updates on State Highways. https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/
