Lemons Hill slip won't be fixed in time for Easter

Contractors clearing loose material at the top of the Lemons Hill slip while detours are in place to get to and from Paihia. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Bad weather is constantly interrupting repairs to a major slip at Lemons Hill between Kawakawa and Paihia.

The NZ Transport Agency said crews were working from the top of the slip to clear loose material and a plan to use explosives was still going through a review of health and safety processes and geotechnical analysis.

The road will remain closed during the Easter weekend and motorists are advised to continue using detours via State Highways 1, 10 and 11.

"We have considered opening the road for a time at the start and end of the day, but there's a risk that loose material could fall on to the road at any time," NZTA Northland system manager Jacqui Hori-Hoult said.

"Our crews are working as fast as safely possible given the complexity of the slip, the difficult access and the weather interruptions. We're conscious of the importance of the link to the Bay of Islands for locals and tourists and we're working to reopen the road as soon as we can."

With increased traffic on the detour, she said drivers should allow up to 30 minutes for the journey between Kawakawa and Paihia.

NZTA is asking motorists to drive with care and to the road conditions, and to allow enough time to get to their destination safely.