State Highway 3 through Awakino Gorge will be opening 24/7 from tonight (22 May).

The road, between Mōkau and Piopio will be open under a mix of two-way traffic and stop/go traffic management.

This is an important step forward after severe weather mid last month triggered multiple slips, flooding and rockfall through the gorge and closed the road. We know this news will be welcomed by many in the community and those who regularly use the road.

It will make travel easier for local communities, freight and others who rely on this route.

We’re grateful for community support and for the crews who’ve been working on site since mid April to safely restore that access.

Moving to stop/go traffic management from Friday means access through the gorge will be improved, but restrictions are expected to remain for some time while recovery work continues, in a few areas, including where the biggest slip is currently being ‘benched.’

Expect delays of up to 60 minutes and queues at times. Travel times will vary depending on traffic volumes, work activity and site conditions. Temporary speed limits and traffic management will remain in place to keep everyone safe while work continues, so this is not yet a return to normal operating conditions.

Continue to drive to the conditions and take care.