As the countdown begins for the reopening of the Brynderwyn detour through Waipū authorities are emphasising previous restrictions around truck and trailer units will again apply.
Kaiwaka-Mangawhai Rd is expected to open around March 11 and 12 after work on a large slip near Hilltop Rd is completed. The road was previously closed after multiple storms caused it to become impassable or dangerous in parts.
The reopening means southbound motorists in light vehicles and local delivery trucks will be able to use the eastern Brynderwyn detour from Kaiwaka through Mangawhai and Waipū.
Currently, southbound traffic has to travel through Paparoa-Oakleigh Rd and for trucks, State Highway 14 and 12. SH1 over the Brynderwyn Hills is only available for northbound motorists.
Northland Civil Defence said in a statement that authorities were keen to avoid the disruptions and safety risks previously encountered on the eastern detour as truck and trailer units attempted to negotiate tight bends.