Many roads still closed across North Island after slips, flooding

Monday, 30 January 2023

Auckland Transport acting chief executive Mark Lambert and KiwiRail chief executive Peter Reidy talk about the damage to the road and rail network following the January 27 rain emergency. (Video January 30)

Surface flooding and slips from a weekend of torrential rain have forced numerous road closures across the upper North Island.

The Waikato region has been the worst affected, with parts of Coromandel cut off due to roads suffering “significant collapse” on Saturday. It collapsed fully on Monday following ongoing rain.

Currently, four highways in the region are partially or fully closed due to flooding or slips. Detours are available.

In Waikato, SH2 is closed between Mangatawhiri Rd and Kopuku Rd due to flooding, although it was expected to reopen by Monday evening. SH2 remained closed between Pokeno and Mangatarata due to a large slip.

Video and images from January 27 and 28, 2023 show the extent of the damage caused by flooding after a severe weather event in Auckland.

* One dead after truck crashes off Kopu-Hikuai Road on Coromandel Peninsula

* Karangahake Gorge down to one lane after large slip blocked highway

Contractors have been working to clear multiple slips on SH25, with the road now open between Coromandel and Thames, and Whangamatā and Waihi. It remains closed between Coromandel and Te Rerenga.

Coromandel remains the worst hit region for road closures, with SH25A now closed after cracks formed.

SH25A Kopu to Hikuai will remain closed until further notice after a large section of road collapsed.

SH37 remains closed near Waitomo and between the roundabout at SH3 and Fullerton Rd.

Heavy flooding has forced road closures across the upper North Island. (File photo)

The Tapu-Coroglen and 309 roads are also closed, with drivers advised to detour via the Karangahake Gorge, which Waka Kotahi is closely monitoring for flooding.

The gorge has remained open but is being closely monitored for any signs of flooding.

In Auckland, SH16 has reopened, from Helensville to Waimauku, but motorists are advised to take care while flooding remains in several spots on the highway. Waka Kotahi is likely to close SH16 at Stoney Creek Rd, between Kaukapakapa and West Coast Rd.

In Northland, SH1 from Brynderwyn to Waipu is closed from the SH12 intersection to Waipu. Motorists should expect delays with a detour via Waipu. Freight and heavy vehicles were advised to detour via SH12.

SH1 is also closed between SH15 south roundabout and Marsden Point Rd.

In Hawke’s Bay, motorists should take extra care on SH5 between Napier and Taupo while the road is under stop/go traffic management.

In Taranaki, SH43 between Stratford to Taumarunui is under stop/go traffic management after a large part of the road dropped out.

For the latest road closures, check NZTA’s website.