Roads stay closed for another night in coastal Hawke's Bay areas

A number of roads in coastal areas of the Hastings District will remain closed for another night.

Hastings District Council roading engineers have now assessed the state of flooding and slip damage on roads around the Waimarama area. The following restrictions apply.

Waimarama Road: Restricted access to residents and emergency services only. Road is single lane in many parts and slippery. Extreme caution is necessary.

Maraetotara Road: Closed for 24 to 48 hours. Machinery is working from both ends clearing slips and subsidence.

Te Apiti Road: Closed indefinitely. Machinery will start work early tomorrow (Friday) morning 29th April. Possible opening 24 to 48 hours from when work begins.

Waitangi Road: Council section of 500 metres is open. Private access from there on is closed indefinitely.

Ocean Beach Road: Closed indefinitely. Machinery will start work early tomorrow (Friday) morning 29th April. Possible opening 24 to 48 hours from when work begins.

All other Council roads are open but many are single lane with slips and subsidence. The public is advised to drive to the road conditions and exercise extreme caution.

The status of roads will be updated again at 9am Friday 29th April.

Power and telephone services have been restored in the township of Waimarama and many rural residents who have been stranded by flooding and slips have been visited this afternoon to check on their welfare.

A temporary bridge has been placed across the Waimarama Bridge which has allowed access for emergency services while residents now have the opportunity to leave the township if they require.

The Hastings District Council operation has now moved into a recovery phase for the areas which have been affected by the flooding. The recovery phase will be led by Dennis Morgan, Hastings District Council Group Manager of Strategy and Development.