State Highway 2 between Wairoa and Napier is still closed this morning after remaining closed overnight for safety reasons.

SH2 between Kotemaori and Wairoa closed following a large slip in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Waka Kotahi NZTA say that heavy rainfall over the weekend led to the slip, which initially blocked both lanes of the road near the intersection with Waikare Road.

A geotechnical assessment carried out on Sunday afternoon has advised more work needs to be done before the stretch of road can safely open.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Hawke’s Bay / Tairāwhiti System Manager Martin Colditz says crews have been working all day on Sunday to clear the slips but a closure was needed overnight to ensure the safety of everyone wanting to use the road.

“Having to remain closed overnight is disappointing but necessary given the risk of more material coming down," says Martin.

“Crews from both the northern and southern sides of the slip will be back at site Monday morning, to reassess the slip and continue work to clear it."

NZ Transport Agency will provide an update as early as possible this morning on the situation.

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