The Transport Agency is confident of opening a detour on an old forestry road between Opotiki and Te Kaha by the end of this weekend.
A slip has closed State Highway 35 at Maraenui Hill until further notice. The only detour currently available is a 500km route via Gisborne.
The Transport Agency says the forestry road has not been used for some time and requires extensive work to make it safe.
Initially it will be available for light vehicles, but work will be carried out to make the route safe for heavy vehicles.
It will have a speed restriction of 30km/h and be single lane.
