Roads still closed after weekend downpour in Coromandel

Slip at Sandy Bay, Coromandel. Photo Jan Hughan

Two far north Coromandel settlements remain cut off and roads remain closed or down to one lane after the weekend's downpour led to numerous slips and washouts across the region.

Motorists are being advised to take care driving around coastal roads while those planning to stay at northernmost campgrounds are being told to ring ahead to make sure roads in and out of the area aren't blocked.

The Thames-Coromandel District Council said road crews were working across the region today to clear debris from a number of roads, including those leading to Sandy Bay, the Tapu-Coroglen Road and Whangapoua hill on State Highway 25.

Flooding on the Coromandel to Colville Road on Sunday. Photo / Supplied via www.facebook.com/waikatoroa

It also included a large slip which had closed a section of Port Charles Rd between Port Charles and Sandy Bay, isolating the far north holiday settlements of Sandy Bay and Stony Bay.

The council said the rest of the road remained open but was down to one lane in places.

A number of bridges had been damaged by floodwaters, including Parakete Bridge, Carey Rd and Mcleods Bridge. Motorists were being asked to proceed with care and only travel across the bridges in light vehicles.

A crew was now on Port Jackson Road repairing the Ohinewai Ford.

Numerous slips were still blocking Colville Rd and until these were cleared traffic would be down to one lane.

A large washout had closed Kennedy Bay Rd on the Coromandel side. The only access from Kennedy Bay was through Colville to Coromandel which was down to one lane in places.

A large slip on Whangapoua Hill between Coromandel and Te Rerenga Rd had been cleared but traffic control and speed restrictions were in place.

Motorists were advising travellers to delay their trip or take an alternative route as contractors had found several more slips and the road was not expected to be open until later today at the earliest.

The Tapu-Coroglen Rd also remains closed on the Thames side of the summit due to a slip.

Efforts were being made to clear the slip and it was expected one lane would be open for vehicles this afternoon.

The council warned motorists to be wary as they drove around the Thames coast in case of debris and loose rocks falling onto the road.