Access to State Highway 3 near Awakino is now back to two lanes as at 4.30 pm today, following yesterday's slips which blocked the road on two occasions.

NZTA Acting State Highway Manager, Karen Boyt, says while full access through this section of SH3 is now available, the clean up will continue tomorrow to remove material from the roadsides and embankments.

"We don't expect this follow on work will hold up traffic," says Ms Boyt. "However, we would like to remind people travelling through to be aware that there will be a road crew and equipment working in the area, so please take care when travelling through this section of SH3. Traffic controls and road signage will be in place to ensure the safety of both traffic and the crew."

"We will continue to monitor SH3 closely - although the bad weather has now moved on," says Ms Boyt. "We'd also like to again thank motorists for their patience in either delaying their travel or using alternative routes, to allow time for these slips to be cleared."