Ōpōtiki District Council has confirmed that Motu Road will reopen at around noon tomorrow.

The opening is subject to completion of the remaining safety works.

The road has been closed since mid-November when a large slip occurred near the Ōpōtiki district boundary between Papamoa Hill and Whitikau Road.

The road serves as an important alternative route between Ōpōtiki and Gisborne districts when State Highway 35 around the coast and State Highway 2 through Waioweka Gorge experience closures.

The council acknowledged the closure had been in place for some time and it was pushing progress as quickly and safely as it could to ensure local residents, regular road users, and the cycling groups who relied on the road were reconnected.

Geotechnical specialists completed their final inspections in late August and have since confirmed, through stability modelling and assessment, that the road is suitable for reopening, subject to ongoing monitoring, maintenance and the completion of recommended delineation work and safety signage.

Residual instability remain possible, particularly following rainfall, groundwater seepage and ongoing weathering.

The council has appropriate monitoring, response procedures and traffic management controls in place, and will undertake further geotechnical review if significant new instability is identified.

The geotechnical assessments also identified that additional edge delineation improvements and safety signage should be completed prior to re-opening and this has now been completed.

During this closure period, council also progressed the Papamoa crossing improvements which were approved as part of council’s 2024-2034 Long-Term Plan. This work is also now complete.

On opening, safety signs will be in placed around the installed edge delineation advising motor vehicle users to not stop and park along the edge to inspect the land changes around the slip site.

“We ask that all users please adhere to this requirement for their safety and the safety of others,” a council spokesperson said.

The council thanked the residents, landowners, businesses, community groups and other stakeholders who have been directly impacted by the closure and contractors for their “immense effort, expertise and dedication”.

“We recognise the challenges and disruption this event has caused and greatly appreciate the patience, understanding and support shown throughout the recovery process,” the spokesperson said.

“The Motu Road is recognised as an important part of our local transport network, providing a critical connection for residents, businesses, emergency services, and visitors to one of our most remote areas and neighbouring district.

The council will increase monitoring during periods of heavy rainfall.

Should conditions change, appropriate traffic management measures will be implemented, and residents, stakeholders and the community kept informed.