State Highway 53 is closed between No 1 Line and Wards Line in Wairarapa. Photo: Waka Kotahi / Supplied
A major slip in Wairarapa has closed parts of State Highway 53 between Featherston and Martinborough.
Waka Kotahi said the slip occurred shortly before 3pm today and it was likely the road would be closed between No 1 Line and Wards Line for a day or more.
There was a high risk of further slips from the hillside with heavy rain forecast for later this week, and a large number of mature pine trees that were at risk of falling onto the road must be removed, the transport agency said.
A detour is available via Bidwills Cutting Road, near Greytown.
There will be no access via SH53 from Featherston and the highway's status will be reviewed Thursday afternoon, Waka Kotahi said.
Waka Kotahi said traffic management controllers would be on duty to direct vehicles and assist those who lived inside the closure zone to access their properties.
Heavy rain forecast for Hawke's Bay and Tairāwhiti
Waka Kotahi is asking people in Hawke's Bay and Tairāwhiti to take extra care on the roads in the coming days, as severe thunderstorms and heavy rain are expected today, tomorrow and Friday.
The transport agency is advising people to avoid unnecessary travel.
Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly, which can result in road closures.
Driving conditions might also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain.
Motorists should make sure they have a clean windscreen inside and out, use their headlights, wipers and demisters.