9 June 2014 | NZ Transport Agency - Waikato & Bay of Plenty

Motorists urged to take care on wet roads

The NZ Transport Agency is urging drivers to take extra care on the roads with heavy rain set to affect many parts of the North Island.

As much as 200mm of rain is expected to hit areas of the Western Bay of Plenty, Northland, Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula from 6pm today until Wednesday, with the Metservice also predicting severe winds during that period.

The severe weather is likely to make driving conditions difficult and motorists are urged to adjust to the conditions and keep up to date with road closures and other travel advice atwww.highwayinfo.govt.nz

Motorcyclists and those driving high-sided vehicles should exercise extreme caution, and all drivers are advised to reduce their speeds and increase following distances during periods of heavy rain.

The wild weather has forced contractors to postpone scheduled night works on the Poike Road roundabout on State Highway 29 (SH29) until further notice.

Major pavement repair work planned to take place to the roundabout and its approaches was due to start on Sunday night through to Monday June 16 but will be postponed until the weather clears.

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