Works officers in Eastern Highlands Province are working around the clock to restore a main section of the Highlands Highway that has completely collapsed, cutting off road links into Goroka Town from Simbu Province.
A portion of the highway at Four-Mile, Ato Market, collapsed last Thursday, stopping heavy trucks from going into Goroka Town.
As of last night, that road has now completely broken off.
Eastern Highlands Provincial Works manager, John Posagu, says since the portion of the road collapsed, attempts were made to fix it but water was building up from the blockage.
He said in fear of water flooding the plains and creating more damages, works officers tried clearing the huge pile of earth that had collapsed but to no avail.
This was due to a huge cement blocking the area where the road once ran.
The unstable soil than gave way last night at around 11pm.
Posagu said they have properly assessed the situation and have placed two excavators on site to quickly restore the road.
He said they will be working well into the night and if weather permits, will continue until the whole drain is cleared to put in place culverts.
Posagu hopes to have the culverts in placed by lunch time tomorrow.
Commuters have been urged to use the Kamaliki to Asaro road to go around the damaged highway.
(Picture: Ben Miti)