State Highway 25A between Kopu and Hikuai was closed prior to Auckland Anniversary weekend, as heavy rains battered the Coromandel Peninsula.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Authority said the road closure on Friday afternoon was to ensure public safety.
Following a heavy rain warning issued by the MetService for Friday and Saturday, the Tapu-Coroglen and 309 Roads were also closed on Friday.
There were reports from the public of slips on Thames Coast Rd and Whangapoua Hill, as well as downed trees.
Travellers were forced to detour around the peninsula on SH25 or through the Karangahake Gorge on SH2. Prior to the full closure, SH25A had been operating a single lane during daytime hours only, with closures between 7pm-7am for repairs.
Waka Kotahi told The Profile on Friday closures would continue for the foreseeable future. Waka Kotahi Waikato system manager Cara Lauder said the move was necessary to ensure the safety of road users, as well as those working to assess and repair the damage. “This will mean that travellers heading for the eastern side of the Coromandel Peninsula, especially those leaving larger cities such as Auckland and Hamilton, will need to carefully plan their leaving time,” she said.
“There may be factors outside our control, such as incidents on other parts of the state highway network, that affect predicted journey times.”
The damage is being monitored daily as geotechnical teams continue investigations into the problem and how best to repair it.
New cracks are still appearing, including on the eastbound lane currently used for traffic during the day. “We have seen the road deform over the past week as the site continues to move.”
Ms Lauder is also asking the public to remain courteous towards road workers at the closure points. “We have had reports that crews at the closure points have been subjected to abuse and threatening behaviour over the past week.
“This is unacceptable; the closure is not of their making, and they’re working hard to keep everyone moving while experts determine the best repair methodology long term.”
By ALICE PARMINTER, Public Interest Journalism funded by NZ on Air
