Taranaki Media Logo
StoriesEventsContact
Light Mode

Forgotten World Highway to Reopen Following Slip Damage and Earthquake

Forgotten World Highway to Reopen Following Slip Damage and Earthquake
Taranaki Media

Taranaki Media

27 July 2026

Road ReopeningRoading State Highway 43
State Highway 43 will reopen this afternoon with temporary speed limits and single-lane sections following extensive slip damage caused by heavy rain and the Taumarunui earthquake.

State Highway 43 Forgotten World Highway will be opening from 4pm today (Monday 27 July) following extensive slip damage caused by heavy rainfall and the Taumarunui earthquake.

Crews have been working throughout the weekend to clear slip material and debris and repair other damage to the road, to safely restore access as quickly as possible.

NZTA says the safety of all road users is their top priority and crews will be onsite continuing to closely monitor the situation, ensuring the route remains safe for travel.

The road will be reduced to one lane in places, between Taumarunui and Tāngarākau Gorge, with temporarily reduced speed limits in place.

Drivers will notice crews along the way still working and the drive will be slow going. NZTA says to expect delays and drive safely.

SH3 through Awakino Gorge remains open under stop/go traffic management.

State Highway 43 Forgotten World Highway NZTA Slip Damage Earthquake

More Stories

Photos: Queen Street Cenotaph pedestrian space complete
Photos

Photos: Queen Street Cenotaph pedestrian space complete

The new pedestrian space around the Queen Street Cenotaph is complete, with seating, planting and safety improvements in place.

Taranaki Media2 months ago
State Highway 3 Reopens Under Stop-Go Management Following Mt Messenger Slip
Roading Update

State Highway 3 Reopens Under Stop-Go Management Following Mt Messenger Slip

State Highway 3 has reopened under stop-go traffic management south of the Mt Messenger Tunnel following a large slip.

Taranaki Media2 months ago
Work Begins on SH3 Awakino Gorge Rebuild to Restore Two-Lane Access
Roading Update

Work Begins on SH3 Awakino Gorge Rebuild to Restore Two-Lane Access

Work has started on rebuilding a section of State Highway 3 through the Awakino Gorge, with the goal of restoring two-lane access by mid-December following severe storm damage.

Taranaki Media2 months ago
Summer roadworks planned for State Highway 43 as storm repairs wrap up
Roading Update

Summer roadworks planned for State Highway 43 as storm repairs wrap up

NZTA Waka Kotahi is shifting its focus to long-term resilience on the Forgotten World Highway, with summer construction planned to target vulnerable sections.

Taranaki Media2 months ago
Photos: Devon Street reopens near the Clock Tower
Photos

Photos: Devon Street reopens near the Clock Tower

Devon Street near the Clock Tower has reopened to traffic as the West End Crossing project nears completion.

Taranaki Media2 months ago
Rain postpones planned four-day closure of Awakino Gorge on State Highway 3
Roading Update

Rain postpones planned four-day closure of Awakino Gorge on State Highway 3

NZTA has postponed the upcoming four-day closure of State Highway 3 through the Awakino Gorge due to forecast rain, with the culvert replacement work now rescheduled to start on Saturday 29 August.

Taranaki Media2 months ago
Surfer rescued from rough seas at New Plymouth's Fitzroy Beach
Rescue

Surfer rescued from rough seas at New Plymouth's Fitzroy Beach

A surfer has been safely rescued from massive swells off Fitzroy Beach thanks to a vigilant bystander and swift action by local surf lifeguards.

Taranaki Media2 months ago
Feedback sought on controversial Devon Street West cycle separators in New Plymouth
Council Survey

Feedback sought on controversial Devon Street West cycle separators in New Plymouth

New Plymouth District Council has launched a survey seeking final public feedback on the trialled Devon Street West cycle separators before a decision in October.

Taranaki Media2 months ago
Police arrest fleeing drivers and impound vehicles in major Taranaki road safety operation
Police Operation

Police arrest fleeing drivers and impound vehicles in major Taranaki road safety operation

A major Taranaki road policing operation over the weekend resulted in dozens of driving infringements, five impounded vehicles, and the arrest of two fleeing drivers.

Taranaki Media2 months ago
View All Stories