West Coast Rd closed until further notice

It is not yet known when a slip that has closed West Coast Road near Kohukohu can be repaired, seriously impacting Panguru and Mitimiti residents who must detour via Broadwood to access the Hokianga Ferry and other facilities.

The slip near the intersection with Motutī Road followed torrential rains that lashed most of the country last week. At the height of the weather event, 14 district roads were closed due to flooding and slips.

Subsidence on West Coast Road has impacted both lanes and road crews have confirmed that the slip is still moving. This has prevented engineers from thoroughly assessing the damage. Until it is safe for them to access the site, detailed plans for a permanent fix cannot be developed.

The slip comes just a month after temporary repairs were completed on another underslip that reduced West Coast Road to one lane near Waipuna Marae. That slip was also caused by extreme weather that saw widespread flooding, slips and fallen trees and closed 11 district roads at its height.  

This latest slip is more serious, and repairs may take weeks. Panguru and Mitimiti residents will be required to continue taking a significant detour via Runaruna and Pawarenga Roads to reach the Twin Coast Discovery Highway to the north. From there they can travel a short distance to Broadwood and onwards to State Highway 1 south of Mangamuka Gorge.

Accessing Kaitāia to the north will be further hindered by a major slip on State Highway 1 that has closed Mangamuka Gorge to all traffic. Waka Kotahi says last week’s heavy rain caused five new underslips in the gorge and is warning that the route may be closed for an extended period.

Updates on when West Coast Road can be reopened will be posted on FNDC website. 

Caption: Detour route for Mitimiti and Panguru residents.