Once some material had been removed Waka Kotahi would be taking the opportunity to re-open it to two lanes providing it was considered safe.
“It’s a major link between Wairoa through to Hawke’s Bay so we understand how important it is for people and that’s why crews have worked hard but we’ve got to make sure it’s safe before we do open it.”
He reminded motorists other parts of the highway were also under stop/ go management so they should allow extra time for their travel.
Mr Owen said a lot of work was still needed to restore the road to pre-Cyclone Gabrielle status and the ongoing bad weather events weren’t helping.
Land movement was being monitored closely before permanent solutions would be devised, he said.
Meanwhile, Wairoa Civil Defence controller Juanita Savage pleaded, “Give us a break, Mother Nature”.
The district is reeling from a third significant weather event of the year.
Isolated communities, road closures and slips were the immediate concerns following the weekend’s heavy rain event.
More than 300 millimetres of rain fell in some parts of the district over the weekend, isolating rural communities and stranding over 30 people.
Around 20 roads across the district were closed, with crews working to punch through and restore access where possible.
An emergency operations centre was set up on Sunday morning as staff checked on local and rural residents.
An evacuation centre was set up at the Wairoa War Memorial Hall but was not needed.
“Heavy rainfall on already saturated ground has significantly impacted our rural communities with massive slips and access issues,” Mrs Savage said.
“Rural communities are suggesting the slipping and damage to land is greater than in Cyclone Gabrielle.”
River and surface flooding impacted the township and immediate surrounding areas.
Some properties have been affected for the third time this year.
As of yesterday, two homes had been identified as yellow/partial restriction as a result of Rapid Building Assessments.
More assessments were still to be done.
Mrs Savage urged people to look after themselves and each other.
“This is a challenging time, and our thoughts are with all our impacted whānau and our rural and farming communities.”
Wairoa Mayor Craig Little said it was unbelievable that Wairoa had been hit by extreme weather again.
“Farming is the backbone of our community, and it has been significantly impacted.
“This is particularly difficult as some farms were just recovering from previous events, and their repair work of fencing and tracking has now been undone.
“My heart also goes out to the whānau of those involved in the car crash on Sunday morning when a car was reported to have collided with a slip blocking SH2 between The Crescent and Kiwi Valley Road.
“Sadly, one person has died and one person has been seriously injured. I extend my sympathy and thoughts to the whānau.” — Additional reporting RNZ
