State Highway 25 near Thames closed by slips and fallen trees

Arborists are clearing trees from SH25 this morning.

Multiple trees and slips on State Highway 25 north of Thames means the road will be closed for some time today.

NZTA Waka Kotahi has advised motorists to expect “long delays” today as crews work to clear the road on the western side of the Coromandel Peninsula.

“Due to a slip and multiple trees down, SH25 is blocked in both directions at Ruamahunga. Expect long delays. No Detour available,” an advisory notice on its website says.

No injuries or power cuts were reported.

NZTA said arborists will be clearing the trees this morning.

“We won’t know the scope of the slip until the vegetation is cleared.”

Fire and Emergency New Zealand confirmed a crew from Tapu was called to the scene just after midnight but found the trees were beyond their capability, leaving it to contractors.

The Thames Coromandel District Council also advised motorists of the closure, confirming that SH25 was blocked in both directions between Ruamahunga and Tapu, on the Thames Coast Rd.

“Road closure points have been established and our team is currently investigating and we will provide updates as soon as possible,” a post on its social media feeds said.

“Expect long delays and note that there is no detour available. Please be patient and drive to the conditions.”

Fire and Emergency New Zealand (Fenz) said it was called to the scene just after midnight.