A washout has closed State Highway 35 between Ōpōtiki and Te Kaha in the Eastern Bay of Plenty.
Work is underway to build a protective groyne of rock in the river upstream of the washout.
Ōpōtiki District councillor Louis Rapiana said that the closure would affect a large number of people who travel from the Te Kaha area to Ōpōtiki for work.
Emergency services were working on getting supplies to residents who were cut off, and evacuation plans were available if necessary, he said.
“Helicopters have been organised and also, should there be bad weather where helicopters can’t come in, we have the ability to fly a light plane to retrieve people or to take supplies in.”
State Highway 2 through the Waioweka Gorge was also closed between Ōpōtiki and Matawai, due to a slip.
Image credit: RNZ/Waka Kotahi
