24/04/2026
The following is a summary received today of the situation regarding the serious slip damage on SH3, thanks to Downers , their subcontractors and staff that are undertaking these complex repairs.
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We’re making good progress clearing multiple slips on State Highway 3 (SH3) in the Awakino Gorge between Piopio and Mōkau.
We’re still on track to reopen by Saturday 2 May, as long as the weather holds and we don’t uncover further damage as work continues.
The main job is the significant slip in the gorge. It’s still unstable, so we can’t safely reopen until we’ve benched the slip.
Benching is an interim step to get SH3 safely reopened sooner. A permanent repair will follow, and we’ll share more detail on that longer-term solution once it’s confirmed.
We expect to finish benching this weekend. After that, we’ll move into a major load out phase to remove the fallen material, followed by pavement repairs so we can reopen one lane by Saturday 2 May.
Once load-out begins, crews will be working at scale. One 50 tonne excavator, two 20 tonne diggers and about 10 trucks will operate simultaneously to clear the slip material.
There’s also work underway to clear the other minor slips north and south of the significant slip and to clear and repair blocked culverts. As at midday today we have cleared 31 of 39 minor slips from the road surface, we are working on 3 of the 6 under slips and we have cleared 10 of 32 culverts.
This is a big job in tough terrain, and it’s taking time because we’re dealing with an active slip and multiple sites along the route. Road workers are on the ground every day making steady progress clearing slips, repairing drainage, and building the bench needed to safely get traffic moving again.
When SH3 reopens, expect it to be managed at first. It will be one lane in places with stop/go traffic management while work continues.
Work is daylight-only as the workers on site need visibility to work safely and watch for any movement.
While SH3 is closed, SH1 and SH4 remain the best alternative routes.
We know this closure is frustrating and disruptive. Please be assured road workers are doing everything possible to restore access as quickly as conditions allow.
If you’re travelling this long weekend, please drive to the conditions, slow down on wet or winding roads, take breaks if you’re feeling tired, and be prepared for sudden hazards on the network following the rain over the weekend.
For more information and updates
We will provide another update on progress early next week. For up-to-date travel information visit Journey Planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz
