NZTA contractors have made excellent progress on the slip which fell on State Highway 2 at Waiotahe beach.

Crews have been working to clear material from both ends of the large slip, following removal of the Pōhutukawa trees above the slip yesterday.

They’ll be working through the night tonight to ensure that the road can reopen on Friday. 

SH2 remains closed between Waiotahi Valley Back Road and Paerata Ridge Road.

Further clearing work will be required in areas outside the lanes next week, which may require stop/go traffic management to remove material.

While the road is closed, road users should allow extra time for the detour which is:

East bound traffic: Right onto Waiotahi Valley Back Road, Verrall Road, Left Paerata Ridge Road before rejoining SH2. West bound traffic in reverse.

Detour is not suitable for heavy vehicles.