Rockfall to keep highway closed

A major rockfall blocking State Highway 36 between Tauranga and Rotorua will keep the road closed for another two weeks.

The New Zealand Transport Authority closed the road, following the rockfall in the Mangorewa Gorge on August 6, which crushed a car. The two women inside the car escaped with only minor injuries.

SH36 would remain closed until at least September 14, state highways manager for Waikato and Bay of Plenty Kaye Clark said.

When the road reopened, it would operate for up to four weeks with the same restricted hours as before the slip - closed weekdays 9am and 4pm - then move to one lane only while the road was being repaired.

- NZPA