State Highway 35 between Okitu and Ruatoria is closed due to flooding (file picture). Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
State Highway 35 has been closed north of Gisborne between Okitu and Ruatoria following surface flooding and a heavy rain warning is in place.
MetService has a heavy rain warning in place for Tairāwhiti / Gisborne north of Tolaga Bay until 3pm on Thursday with a forecast of up to 140mm of rain expected in the ranges and up to 90mm of rain on the coast.
In a statement, Waka Kotahi Tairāwhiti / Hawke's Bay journey manager Andre Taylor said the safety of road users and contractors was the number one priority.
"We don't take the decision to close stretches of highway lightly. Cyclone Gabrielle has reiterated how important it is to ensure the safety of road users and contractors on the network remains the top priority."
The situation would be reassessed at first light on Thursday, he said.
UPDATE 4:05PM
— Waka Kotahi NZTA Central North Island (@WakaKotahiCNI) June 21, 2023
Due to heavy rain and flooding, SH35 is now CLOSED between Okitu and Ruatoria. Please avoid the area and delay travel through this section at this time. ^CS https://t.co/gArIvkEe9h pic.twitter.com/GOAZvtRxTe
"We know the closure is frustrating, coming so soon after SH35 access was restored last week with the opening of the Hikuwai Bailey bridge. It's been a challenging time for communities along SH35 and we want to thank people for their continued understanding."
Anyone who planning to travel in the region should check the forecast before travelling and plan accordingly which may mean delaying travel or being careful to drive to the conditions, Taylor said.
