Karangahake Gorge down to one lane after large slip blocked highway

Monday, 3 December 2018

A large slip came down blocking SH2 between Paeroa and Waihi.

The Karangahake Gorge remains down to one lane after a large slip blocked the highway over the weekend.

Boulders the size of small cars were amid the debris that came pummelling down onto State Highway 2 on Saturday.

The slip completely closed the gorge between between Paeroa and Waihi on Saturday, causing major traffic diversions for motorists.

NZ Transport Agency engineers assessed the stability of the site on Sunday and contractors worked to clear material and reopen the road to one lane.

NZTA said in a statement on Sunday that what was unknown is how much more loose material remained above the slip site, and whether or not more rocks may slide down.

'Until all assessments have been completed and we are satisfied we can re-open the road safely to two lanes we will continue to operate with one lane under stop/go management into the working week.'

At 6.30am on Monday the gorge was open to one lane under stop-go management.

NZTA advised motorists to delay their journey and use an alternative route.