Contractors are continuing to closely monitor the already-sodden state highway network around Tairāwhiti, as rain continues.

State Highway 2 north of Gisborne remains closed between Ormond and Matawai, following continued movement in the road on Monday night, while further up the coast, State Highway 35 is currently open but will close from 5pm.

As at 4.30pm, Monday June 26:
State Highway 2 Matawai to Ormond CLOSED
State Highway 50 Tikokino to Ongaonga CLOSED
State Highway 35 Gisborne to Ruatoria OPEN but will close from 5pm and will reopen at 7.30am
State Highway 5 Napier – Taupō Road OPEN
State Highway 2 Wairoa to Napier OPEN
State Highway 2 Wairoa to Gisborne OPEN

Central North Island Regional Manager of Maintenance and Operations Jaclyn Hankin says the closure of SH35 from 5pm is a precautionary measure.

'The rain has damaged the road in a number of areas while road users can be guided through these sites safely by traffic management during the day, it is still unsafe to drive at night, especially with the ongoing rain.

'In Hawke's Bay, engineers are taking the opportunity with the break in the rain to check the damage across the region's state highway network. That also means bridge engineers have been back on site at Waipawa River Bridge on SH50, where one of the abutments has washed away."

Work is expected to get underway in the coming days to begin site preparation ahead of work to restore the abutment.

While the designs for the new abutment are being finalised, contractors will begin work to divert the water away from the wash out, to enable works for the abutment to begin.

Engineers have been at the bridge today and have assessed the bridge structure as structurally sound. The bridge structure was built in 1980.

'Completion of the design work will give a better indication of the timeframe for a replacement abutment, and as soon as we can, we will be making sure local communities, and iwi are kept up to date with the progress and planning.

'We know SH50 is a crucial link into Hawke's Bay from central North Island and the lower North Island.

'Restoring connections on SH50 and SH2 remains a top priority for Waka Kotahi. We can only do this once the weather improves and water levels recede. We want to thank road users in Tairāwhiti and Hawke's Bay as well as all the communities who rely on these important connections for their understanding and support.

'People should continue to keep an eye on the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner website for the latest information on road conditions, as short-notice closures are a possibility while the rain continues,” says Jaclyn.

Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with:

• Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic
• Facebook: facebook.com/WakaKotahiHBG
• Twitter: twitter.com/WakaKotahiCNI
• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)