State Highway 2 between Matatā and Paengaroa closed due to flooding and slip

The highway between Matatā and Paengaroa in Bay of Plenty was closed due to flooding this morning.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said State Highway 2 was closed between Kaokaoroa St and Herepu Rd, just west of Matatā, and a detour route was available via state highways 33, 30 and 34.

A spokesperson for the agency said trucks were let through to clear the backlog but the road closed again to clear silt.

“Contractors are hopeful of being able to reopen one lane for stop/go traffic management by approx 9.30am.”

The highway between Matatā and Paengaroa in Bay of Plenty was closed due to flooding this morning. Photo / NZTA

An NZTA spokeswoman said a significant amount of rain fell overnight in this area, which blocked recently cleared culverts and flooded the area under the rail bridge.

“NZTA contractors are on site working to clear debris and re-open the road this morning. It should be open by midday.”

The spokeswoman said the culverts were cleaned in the last couple of months, but there was a large volume of material brought down from the hills.

The road was closed at 12.30am.

According to social media reports a line of trucks was waiting to get through.

The highway between Matatā and Paengaroa in Bay of Plenty was closed due to flooding this morning. Photo / NZTA