'Vulnerable': National Road Carriers Association hopeful following Awakino Gorge closure

The Awakino Gorge on State Highway 3 is set to close again tonight for nine consecutive nights, but there's hope for a way forward.

The route has been closed several times over the past year due to storms and adverse weather conditions, causing delays and detours for drivers. 

National Road Carriers Association CEO Justin Tighe-Umbers is feeling hopeful - as this closure was planned so contractors could install a retaining wall at the site of a major slip.

"Short-term pain for hopefully some longer-term gain and fewer closures."

LISTEN ABOVE

• Flooding swamps North Island highway as heavy rain lashes NZ
• Motorists trapped along SH3 in Awakino Gorge after flooding and slips; rain to fall until noon