“Our Civil Defence teams are in contact with those who are cut off, and providing supplies.”
“If you’re in an area that’s cut off, please reach out to our welfare team if you need any support on 0800 653 800.”
The convoys using the detour on the Wharekopae Road around the damaged SH2 north site at Otoko continued yesterday.
The 8am convoy from Matawai to Gisborne was cancelled as a large tree fell across the road overnight.
The next convoy Matawai to Gisborne departed at 12noon.
The 10am convoy from Gisborne to Matawai went ahead, after the tree had been cleared.
“You need to allow time to arrive 10 minutes before the convoys leave from the start points at Rere and Matawai.”
The convoys continued today, with three each-way trips each day today and tomorrow.
“The detour is only open to light vehicles, so no heavy trucks, motorhomes and definitely no cars with trailers,” the council said.
“We recommend 4WD.
“If you have a 2WD or low-ground-clearance car and you’re not familiar with driving on an unsealed or metal road, please consider using alternative state highway 35 North or SH2 South.”
Gisborne District Council expected an update today on the state highway situation, including at Otoko.
“At this stage we don’t have convoy times for the weekend, as we’re hoping the highway may be open by then.
Waka Kotahi are putting on more crews to help with the enormous amount of work.
State Highway 35 from Okitu to Ruatoria was closed again overnight last night due to safety concerns on the road at night.
It reopened 7am this morning, and work continued on the road today.
