UPDATED 3.30PM: State Highway 35 between Maraenui and Omaio in the Eastern Bay of Plenty has been reopened following an earlier slip on the western side of the Motu Bridge.

Police say contractors have been able to clear the road earlier than expected, but work is still progressing on smaller slips on the bluffs and motorists are advised to expect delays.

The slip resulted in slip resulted in large boulders falling onto the highway and heavy machinery has been required to clear them from the road.

The New Zealand Transport Agency says one lane of SH35 is currently open, with stop/go traffic management in place.

But delays are likely and motorists are being asked to avoid the area if and where possible or delay their travels.

EARLIER:

A large slip has forced the closure of State Highway 35, between Maraenui and Omaio.

Police say a substantial slip on the western side of the Motu Bridge, in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, has blocked the road.

"The slip resulted in large boulders falling onto the highway and heavy machinery will be required to clear them.

"Contractors are on their way, but it may be some time until the road is cleared and made safe."

The road will be closed until further notice.