One lane of the storm-damaged Thames Coast Road is expected to be reopened to the public this morning.
Parts of the road were left completely inaccessible after the storm passed. Photo: Waikato Police
State Highway 25 was severely damaged - and some sections were washed away altogether - by sea surges during Friday's storm.
Only local residents had been allowed to travel between Tararu and Te Puru in escorted convoys since Friday.
The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) said one lane should reopen to the general public at 9am today.
NZTA said it will run escorted public convoys every 30 minutes, although drivers are still being encouraged to use alternative routes.
The Transport Agency said 29 high-priority locations needing work have been identified between Tararu and Manaia.
It said the high-priority sites had a total length of 3.5 kilometres, but more than 10 kilometres of the highway was damaged.
It expects to be able to give an update on the works' progress later this week.
On the Coromandel east coast, heavy traffic is expected , particularly around Tairua.
Motorists are being asked to allow extra time for travel and to be patient.
They have also been urged to check the NZTA [www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic website], or their Twitter and Facebook pages for updates.
Kaikōura road opening delayed
Meanwhile, last night's storm off the east coast of the South Island delayed the opening of State Highway One north of Kaikōura this morning.
NZTA said big seas had pushed the temporary sea wall blocks onto the road at Ohau Point.
Last night's storm pushed the temporary sea wall blocks onto the road Photo: NZTA
The road has now reopened.
The highway was also closed for one day last week, due to heavy rain.
Temporary sea wall blocks on the road at Ohau Point. Photo: NZTA
