Waka Kotahia NZ Transport Agency is expressing thanks to roading contractors and road users while work continues following the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle.

'We want to reiterate our thanks to all our roading contractors as they continue to work to ensure vital state highway connections are able to open," says Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency's National Emergency Response Team spokesman Wayne Oldfield.

He has also reiterated his thanks to all road users for their patience and understanding as contractors continue to clean up from Cyclone Gabrielle's aftermath.

'We're still in the process of assessing the damage to a number of key routes which remain closed for now, and that will take some time," says Wayne.

'Our priority is of course the safety of all road users and contractors, while trying to get as much of the network open as possible.”

State Highway update as of 2pm on Sunday February 19, 2023:

Tairāwhiti

SH35 from Te Puia Springs to Tologa Bay CLOSED

SH2 between Ōpōtiki to Gisborne OPEN between 7am and 7pm

SH2 between Gisborne south through Wairoa OPEN between 7am and 7pm

SH38 between Lake Waikaremoana to Wairoa CLOSED

Hawke's Bay

SH2 between Wairoa and the Eskdale turn off CLOSED

SH5 Napier – Taupō Road CLOSED

SH50 at the Ngaruroro River Bridge, Fernhill CLOSED

SH50 between Takapau and Maraekakaho CLOSED

SH51 at Waitangi Bridge, Clive OPEN under stop / go, down to one lane for emergency services and critical workers

Manawatū-Whanganui

SH4 between Raetihi and Upokongaro CLOSED

'As with all areas of the network that have recently opened up, please expect delays as some roads remain under stop / go control or reduced speeds, and in some cases, the possibility of short-notice closures,” says Wayne.

Please note this information can change rapidly – ensure you check the latest weather conditions with MetService, and consult the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner for the most up to date information on road closures.

For those who are unable to access the internet at this stage, please keep tuned tro local radio for the latest Civil Defence advice.

Journey Planner is updated 24/7 by Waka Kotahi traffic operations centres and is the best source of the most recent and reliable information available on state highway closures and disruptions. Remember to refresh the page when checking the status of highways to ensure that the latest updates are displayed.

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

· Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic

• Facebook: facebook.com/nztaakl
• Twitter: twitter.com/WakaKotahiAkNth
• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49