Heavy rainfall overnight, combined with the earthquake near Taumarunui, has caused several slips along the Forgotten World Highway / State Highway 43.
As at 9am, State Highway 3 through the Awakino Gorge also remains closed between Mokau and Piopio.
SH43 remains open between Stratford and Whangamōmona; as does SH4.
While SH4 and part of SH43 remain open, NZTA are advising motorists to drive to the conditions.
Geotech crews will be out at the slip sites this morning, assessing the roads.
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Update 3:49pm:
Crews are currently working to clear around 500 cubic metres of slip material on State Highway 3 at Awakino Gorge.
The gorge, between Mokau and Piopio, will remain closed overnight and tomorrow.
At this stage, crews expect to be able to open the road to one lane from 6pm tomorrow (Sunday 26 July), as long as there isn’t further rain and more slips.
NZTA will provide further updates tomorrow confirming the opening time.
Today’s slip is north of the significant slip that crews have been working on since April.
Meanwhile, State Highway 43 Forgotten World Highway between Whangamōmona and Taumarunui remains closed.
There are multiple slips, mud slides and debris. This stretch of road will remain closed tomorrow and into Monday while damage is assessed and the road cleared.
An update for SH43 is expected on Monday around early afternoon.
SH43 remains open between Stratford and Whangamōmona, as does SH4 between Whanganui and Raetihi.
On both stretches of highway, NZTA advises motorists to drive carefully, to the conditions and expect the possibility of slips and debris.
Crews are continuing to monitor the state highway network around the region and are on standby to assess any further damage.
