Awakino Gorge to reopen tonight under single-lane traffic controls

Sunday, 26 July 2026

State Highway 3 through Awakino Gorge will reopen to motorists from 6:00pm tonight under single-lane traffic controls, following an extensive cleanup operation to shift hundreds of cubic metres of fallen debris.

Heavy rain on Friday and Saturday forced the closure of two central North Island state highways after multiple slips.

The Forgotten World Highway, SH 43, was closed between Whangamōmona and Taumarunui on Saturday after several slips were reported.

On Friday, State Highway 3 also remained closed between Mokau and Piopio after a slip through the Awakino Gorge.

NZTA said contractors have been working since yesterday morning to clear at least 500 cubic metres of slip material off the vital transport corridor.

Following on-site geotechnical evaluations to ensure the hillside is safe, transport authorities approved the highway to open to a single lane. Stop/go traffic management will remain in place through the affected stretch of the gorge, with road crews staying on-site to continuously monitor conditions and ensure ongoing stability for travel.

While the Awakino Gorge route is reopening, significant disruption continues further east on State Highway 43, the Forgotten World Highway.

Crews are working to clear multiple slips and repair road damage, but the section between Taumarunui and Whangamōmona will remain closed until at least 1:00 PM on Monday, 27 July.

Drivers can still access the western portion of State Highway 43 between Stratford and Whangamōmona, which remains open. However, transport authorities are urging motorists across the entire Taranaki region to drive with extreme care, expect delays, and strictly follow all temporary traffic controls and crew directions.