A washout has closed State Highway 35 between Ōpōtiki and Te Kaha in eastern Bay of Plenty.
Cracks were discovered on SH35 between Ōpōtiki and Te Kaha. Photo: Waka Kotahi
Cracking was discovered along a lane of the highway next to the Motu River, west of the Motu Bridge.
Crews were working to build a groyne of rock in the river upstream of the scour site to protect the highway, Waka Kotahi said.
Local leaders said the damage could take some time to fix.
Ōpōtiki District councillor Louis Rapiana said the closure would be affecting a large number of people who travel from the Te Kaha area to Ōpōtiki for work.
Emergency services were working to get supplies to residents, 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 between Ōpōtiki (SH35) and Matawai, due to a slip.
