Two-Way Traffic Restored on State Highway 2 in Waiōweka Gorge

Two-way traffic has been restored past the two largest slip sites on State Highway 2 through the Waiōweka Gorge, following an inspection that deemed the sites safe to reopen. Sandra King, the NZ Transport Agency Bay of Plenty area manager for asset and operations, noted that restoring two lanes at the Goldsmith site was a priority since severe weather in January closed the highway for over three weeks. The recovery work included slope stabilization and the installation of a new rockfall protection system.

The reopening restores a vital connection between the Bay of Plenty and Tairāwhiti. This milestone is considered important for local communities, businesses, and freight operators who rely on the highway for transport.