Kaimais reopened after slip

UPDATED 5:55pm: State Highway 29 has been reopened to one lane after it was closed because of a large slip.

The slip was the latest in weather-related incidents affecting the Western Bay of Plenty's roads.

SH2 north of Katikati, at Bridgeman Lane, was closed earlier today after a fallen tree blocked both lanes. A minor slip had also fallen in this area. It has now been reopened to traffic travelling through to Waihi and Paeroa.

Acting Senior Sergeant Mark Holmes of the Tauranga Police said a diversion has been put in place but it could be some time before SH29 was reopened to traffic.

Flooding has closed one lane of SH2 at Whakamaramara between Tauranga and Katikati. The flooding is clearly marked with signs and drivers are asked to proceed with care.

Mr Holmes said the heavy rain experienced in the Western Bay of Plenty had caused road and highway conditions to deteriorate.

He said visibility on SH29 over the Kaimai ranges was poor due to low cloud and heavy rain.

Surface flooding has occurred in several areas and a small slip has come down onto the road near Valley View Rd.
SH29 was still passable but Mr Holmes urged all drivers to take extreme care.

Mr Holmes urged all drivers to reduce their speed and increase their following distances and drive with headlights on as the risk of losing control in the wet conditions was high.