SH25 north of Thames now open to traffic in escorted convoys

State Highway 25 is now open to both north and south bound traffic however all travel is through escorted convoys and long delays are likely.

There are currently cordons at Thames and Manaia, at the junciton of the 309 Road, where traffic can assemble for convoys which will leave approximately every 30 minutes.

The convoys have been split into two, to help affected residents make their local journeys easier. The southern convoy is travelling between Thames and Te Puru, while the northern convoy is travelling from Te Puru to Manaia. 

While the road is open to all traffic, motorists are asked to defer their journey or take alternative routes if possible, so the recovery team can concentrate on repairing the road rather than managing traffic. 

Work is continuing at multiple sites along the highway to repair damage from the storm. There is extensive damage along the 42 kilometres of highway between Thames to Manaia.

Within this there are 29 locations, totalling about 2.4 kilometres, which need to be repaired before the road can reopen to two lanes of traffic.

A detailed road inspection is taking place today so that a detailed plan for the repair of SH25 can be prepared.

How to stay up to date:

· A new webpage has been set up to provide travel information for the journey from Thames to Manaia www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/sh25

·  The key traffic and travel source which provides up-to-date information on weather and road conditions nationwide is www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic

·  Important information is also shared via the Transport Agency‘s official Twitter and Facebook accounts listed here www.nzta.govt.nz/contact-us/connect-with-us/

·  Thames Coromandel District Council facebook updates here www.facebook.com/ThamesCoromandelDistrictCouncil/

· Drivers can also call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) to speak to the call centre team who can provide them with traffic and travel information either before they‘re travelling or when they‘re on the road.