Just when travellers were breathing a sigh of relief, the Waioweka Gorge on State Highway 2 has thrown another curveball. A fresh slip this morning has unfortunately led to the cancellation of all guided convoys for at least the next 25 hours, impacting essential travel through the vital route.
It feels like déjà vu, doesn’t it? After weeks of closure in January due to severe weather and multiple landslides, the gorge had only recently reopened to controlled convoys. This morning’s incident, however, underscores the ongoing challenges of maintaining safety on this often-unpredictable stretch of road.
Initially, today’s slip only caused delays, but by 11:30 AM, the NZ Transport Agency delivered an updated advisory: all convoys for the remainder of today and extending to tomorrow’s 1 PM Ōpōtiki-bound convoy are now cancelled. Even the 11 AM Gisborne-bound convoy was turned around for safety.
The agency emphasizes that safety is the top priority. “Decisions to cancel planned convoys are not taken lightly,” they stated, “as we know how critical this route is. However, the safety of our crews and everyone using this road is paramount.” This new slip serves as a stark reminder of the route’s ongoing fragility and the possibility of last-minute cancellations.
So, what’s the plan? A thorough safety inspection is scheduled for tomorrow, February 18th, to evaluate the road’s condition before any further convoys can even be considered. Until then, the message is clear: these convoys are strictly for essential travel, and they will only proceed if conditions are absolutely safe, with continuous monitoring by crews. If you’re planning to use this route, it’s crucial to check official NZTA updates regularly. Stay safe out there!
