State Highway 38 between Lake Waikaremoana and Frasertown has today reopened to two lanes, under a 50 km/h temporary speed limit.

The state highway near Wairoa remained the only state highway on the East Coast still closed to general traffic after last week’s heavy rainfall and strong winds.

"The road is now open," says an NZTA Waka Kotahi spokesperson.

"We are reminding road users to take care while driving on SH38 and to adhere to the temporary lower speed."

“Making sure people drive to the conditions – in this case, 50 km/h, is incredibly important," says Acting System manager Ray Edwards.

"The slower speed gives people more time to react to their surroundings.

“Crews have worked as quickly and safely as possible to clear the main slip to make both lanes passable. NZTA wants to thank crews for their work to get this important stretch of road open to general public as quickly as possible, and to all users of SH38 for their patience.”

Crews will continue to monitor SH38 and other parts of the network following last week’s heavy rainfall and strong winds.

Ray says while there have been no further slips in the past few days or more flooding, people need to take extreme care when driving between and around both regions.

“The roads and the surrounding land have seen a lot of rainfall – and there is still a small possibility for slips to occur. Please take your time while driving and be alert.”

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

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