Thursday, 17 April 2014 - 1:51pm |
National News

Coromandel road closures prompt Police warning against all but essential travel

1 min read

As they review roading conditions following the first heavy rains in several months, Waikato Police are advising against all but essential travel to or around the Coromandel.

Senior Sergeant Pete Van De Wetering of the Waikato District Command Centre said as at 12.45pm a number of popular holiday routes are closed.

"Police and council roading staff and traffic management crews are currently dealing with a number of slips, fallen trees and flooded parts of roads.

"Currently the road to Tairua and Puanui, SH25A the Kopu-Hikuai Rd is flooded while SH25, the route between Whangamata and Tairua is also closed." 

Mr Van De Wetering said another busy route; SH25 between Thames and Coromandel is currently flooded at Mania while SH25 between Whitianga and Tairua is also closed.

"While SH25 between Waihi and Whangamata is still open, extreme caution is advised and another major route, SH2 between Paeroa and Waihi at the Karangahake Gorge, is marginal due to flooding and is expected to be closed by 3pm.

"With a heavy rain warning in place, no matter where you are or where you intend going, Police ask that you use extreme caution and ask your self, while the weather is deteriorating, is your trip really necessary?"

With rain forecasted to continue overnight and a number of tidal changes, Mr Van De Wetering advised flooding is expected to worsen and motorists are urged to check roading conditions tomorrow before heading out.

"At the end of the day, don't put yourself, your family or your friends at risk this Easter Holiday weekend."

End