A section of State Highway 2 near Otoko Hill has been closed due to surface flooding, according to a Waka Kotahi spokesperson.

"Our contractor closed the road just before 4 o’clock this afternoon following heavy and persistent rainfall.

"The road will be closed between Makaretu Road and Whatatutu Road."

Waka Kotahi Tairāwhiti / Hawke’s Bay System Manager Martin Colditz says the surface flooding has made the area unsafe for road users.

Mr Colditz says the road will be closed overnight and our contractor will reassess the condition of the road at first light tomorrow.

"All other parts of the network remain open currently and our contractor is continuing to closely monitor those sites for any changes," says the Waka Kotahi spokesperson.

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