MEDIA RELEASE

6 December 2012

NZ Transport Agency – Auckland Regional Office

Care needed as storms shut Auckland motorway says NZTA

The NZ Transport Agency advises drivers that Auckland’s State Highway 18 (Hobsonville motorway) is closed in both direct6ions between Greenhithe and Brigham Creek Road.

Early this afternoon, a tornado swept through the Hobsonville area in north-west Auckland causing widespread damage.

The tornado disabled some network cameras on SH18, destroyed some motorway noise walls and left sections of the motorway covered with debris.

The NZTA’s acting State Highways manager for Auckland and Northland, Steve Mutton, says it is unclear when the motorway will re-open.

“The priority is safety of drivers, the public and our field staff who maintain the motorway network. The motorway will remain shut until further notice,” Mr Mutton says. “Drivers should avoid this area of Auckland as authorities deal with this emergency.”

Storms are expected to sweep across the city and drivers are urged to use other sections of the network with extreme care, and use their headlights so that their vehicles can be seen.

“The closure of SH18 means other parts of the network will become congested and we ask all people drive with patience and to consider whether their travel is necessary,” Mr Mutton says.

ENDS

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