State Highway 35 between Te Puia township and Tolaga Bay is closed, due to surface flooding.

The stretch of road was closed just before 10.30 today following heavy and persistent rainfall, causing surface flooding and rising river levels.

The road will remain closed until further notice.

Metservice is warning of further rainfall in the area during the day.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi System Manager Martin Colditz says the decision has been taken to close the road for the safety of all motorists and the local community.

NZTA is advising road users to avoid travel if possible and drive to the conditions on other parts of the network.

Crews are regularly assessing other parts of the network for any signs of flooding or safety risks.

Please keep up to date by visiting NZTA’s Journey Planner.

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

• Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic
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• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)