UPDATED 12.50PM: State Highway 2 through the Waimana Gorge is now closed to all traffic.

"Motorists are encouraged to avoid the area and delay unnecessary travel," says an NZTA spokesperson.

"Light vehicles and up to 50MAX trucks should consider the following alternative route. Eastbound traffic from SH2 turn left onto SH2 Taneatua Rd, onto Valley Rd, turn right on Gorge Rd, turn right onto Ohope Rd, turn right onto Pohutakawa Ave, then turn right Wainui Rd. Westbound traffic should take the same route in reverse. This detour is not suitable for HPMV.

"The slip material is unlikely to be cleared within the three hours initially estimated"

Motorists are encouraged to keep an eye on Waka Kotahi's Journey Planner website (journeys.nzta.govt.nz) for up to date information on the road closure.

EARLIER:

State Highway 2 is down to one lane in the Waimana Gorge.

The slip is located between Fraser Road and Stanley Road due to a slip.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency says contractors are on site clearing the slip material, and there is a 30km/h temporary speed limit and Stop/Go traffic management in place.

"Motorists are encouraged to avoid the area and delay unnecessary travel. Light vehicles should consider the alternative route via via Whakatane, Ōhope and Wainui.

"Clean up of the site is expected to take about three hours."

Visit journeys.nzta.govt.nz for up to date information on road works, traffic, detours and delays.

Waka Kotahi thanks motorists for their patience.

SH2 WAIMANA GORGE - SLIP - 10:10AM
Due to a slip traffic management is in place in the Waimana Gorge, on #SH2 south of Whakatane. Allow extra time: https://t.co/jdejl3FmRU ^TP pic.twitter.com/YfjERH9OgZ

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Waikato/BoP (@WakaKotahiWaiBP) June 30, 2020

Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with:

• Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic
• Facebook: facebook.com/NZTAWaikatoBoP
• Twitter: twitter.com/NZTAwaibop
• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz

Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)