From tonight, traffic will be able to take the most direct route though the far North again

Waka Kotahi will let traffic through the Mangamuka Gorge, south of Kaitaia, from 6pm.

A one-in-500-year storm last July seriously damaged a section of the gorge, which doubles at State Highway 1.

The works include a 135-metre-long, four-metre high, retaining wall.

Traffic management continues on one section, where crews are finishing the wall.