NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has reached a significant milestone in the recovery of State Highway 2 through the Waioweka Gorge, with two lane traffic now open past the Goldsmith and Snake Gully slip sites.

Following months of recovery work, an on-site inspection on Monday confirmed both sections of the state highway were safe to reopen in both directions, under a temporary speed limit of 50kmh.

NZTA Bay of Plenty area manager, asset and operations Sandra King said restoring two lanes at the most significant slip site had been a key goal since severe weather in January 2026 closed the state highway in both directions for more than three weeks.

“It’s an important step forward for this vital connection between the Bay of Plenty and Tairāwhiti, and for the local communities, businesses and freight operators who rely on it.

“Restoring two lane travel here ahead of the busy summer holiday season makes this milestone all the more welcome.

“This is the result of months of intensive work, from ground investigations, removal of loose rock and slope stabilisation, and specialist construction,” said King.

A recently installed rockfall protection system at the Goldsmith site, known as an attenuator, uses high-tensile steel mesh, cables and energy-absorbing components to slow and control falling rocks and debris.

The custom-designed structure spans approximately 45 metres across the slip face and had already captured more than 10 cubic metres of falling material shortly after installation.

Pavement upgrades are now being planned for completion ahead of the Christmas break (subject to weather and site conditions), with the aim of restoring the permanent speed limit through the sites in time for the busy holiday period.

“A huge thanks to our contractors Higgins, Waiotahi, Geovert, Beca and Stellar Projects for their tireless work to reach this milestone, and to local hapū Ngāti Ira for their support throughout the recovery.

“We also want to thank local communities and road users for their patience – we know this work has been long and disruptive,” said King.

The sites now move into an ongoing maintenance phase, with continued monitoring and removal of debris as needed.

The state highway remains especially vulnerable in poor weather.

Further temporary closures or traffic management may be needed for maintenance or in response to future weather events.

There are also other sites throughout the gorge which remain under single lane traffic management as recovery work continues.

People travelling through the gorge should continue to plan ahead, follow all temporary speed limits and check Journey Planner before travelling.

Beyond the recovery work, NZTA is assessing a number of sites throughout the Waioweka Gorge for wider resilience.

The programme is expected to be finalised in the coming months, with work expected to begin by April 2027.