NZTA/supplied A series of slips after the July 17 and 18 storm closed State Highway 1 through the Mangamuka Gorge. Cathcart said the impact of the deluge would have been made worse by the Northland drought – which has plagued the region since late 2019 after the driest period in 50 years. OPEN DATE FOR MANGAMUKA GORGE UNCLEARMeanwhile, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency said it was still too early to say when SH1 through the Mangamuka Gorge can be opened to traffic, but it will likely be at least another six weeks. NZ TRANSPORT AGENCY A huge slip in the Mangamuka Gorge left part of State Highway 1 suspended in mid-air. On average, about 1300 vehicles a day travel through the Mangamuka Gorge.

Source: Stuff August 02, 2020 17:00 UTC