Update, 3:20pm: State Highway 35 will remain closed between Maraenui and Omaio overnight due to multiple slips.

The detour route is via State Highway 2 Waioeka Gorge.

"Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency contractors are working hard to clear a number of slips but it will not be safe to reopen the highway before nightfall," says a Waka Kotahi NZTA spokesperson.

"Heavy rainfall is expected to persist in the region into tomorrow [Sunday], which poses additional risk. Conditions may be hazardous so please only drive if essential."

The next udpate from Waka Kotahi NZTA will be on Sunday morning.

Update, 8.50am: State Highway 35 is closed between Maraenui and Omaio due to multiple slips overnight. The detour route is via State Highway 2 Waioeka Gorge.

"The situation is still evolving as slips are still moving with the persistent wet weather," says a Waka Kotahi NZTA spokesperson.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency contractors are en route, but with multiple sites to clear it will take some time to re-open the road.

NZTA say that safety is paramount.

"The Bay of Plenty, and the East Coast in particular, have experienced significant rainfall, coastal surges and strong winds this year, all of which puts pressure on a roading network that is already more vulnerable due to unstable geology," says an NZTA spokesperson.

"We understand it's challenging for people living and working along SH35 at the moment and we appreciate their resilience.

"Driving conditions may be hazardous so please only drive if essential. If you must head out, please take extra care when driving, watch for hazards, adjust your speed and check the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner website before heading off, for information on which routes are affected by recent bad weather.

"We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available."

Waka Kotahi thanks everyone for their patience and understanding while they work to clear the road and ensure it is safe before reopening.

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/WakaKotahiWaiBP
• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)

Earlier, 7.15am A road slip has closed State Highway 35 in eastern Bay of Plenty.

State Highway 35 between Opotiki and Te Araroa is closed due to a slip on Friday night.

The slip is located near Omaio.

Waka Kotahi NZTA is advising motorists to take caution in the area.

The alternate route to use until further notice is State Highway 2.

At the scene?

Phone 0800SUNLIVE or email newsroom@thesun.co.nz