Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

Storm continues to cause danger for drivers

Storm continues to cause danger for drivers


Strong winds and rain continue to make driving conditions hazardous in Auckland and Northland, and the NZ Transport Agency is advising people to take extreme care on state highways and roads.

For the second day, the speed limit on the Auckland Harbour Bridge has been lowered from 80 to 70km/h and the Transport Agency says motorcyclists and people using campervans and other high-sided vehicles should consider using State Highways 16 and 18 as a safer alternative between the North Shore and the south side of the Waitemata Harbour.

“The bridge does remain open and we did restore the 80km/h limit overnight, but there have been some wind gusts over 80km/h and the lower speed has been introduced again to help keep people safe,” says the Transport Agency’s Regional Journey Manager, Jacqui Hori-Hoult.

Three vehicles driving into the south-bound Johnstones Hill tunnel on the Northern Gateway Toll Road were damaged by an emergency barrier arm that had broken loose during the storm. There are no reports of injuries.

The Transport Agency has reported a busy night for its staff and contractors with 80 storm- related incidents in its Northland and Auckland regions. Most of the incidents occurred in Northland and involved storm debris, fallen trees and flooding.

The storm is affecting the following sections of state highways in Northland:-

State Highway 1 at Hukerenui north of Whangarei, flooding but road now passable with care

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

State Highway 1 at Rangiahua, flooding

State Highway 1 at Turntable Hill near Moerewa, flooding

State Highway 1 between Whangarei and Ruakaka And Whangarei, severe weather has caused washouts and potholes. Drivers are advised to reduce speeds

State Highway 11 between Kawakawa and Paihia, flooding at Lemons Hill

State Highway 12 at Aranga near Dargaville has been closed by a fallen tree.

State Highway 12 at Taheke near Kaikohe, flooding

“Drivers should be aware that there will be a large number of contractors’ vehicles at many locations around the region as we work hard with emergency services and local authorities to fully restore the network,” says Ms Hori-Hoult.

“Many of the incidents we are dealing with are in isolated areas and there are no alternative routes available, so delays could be lengthy.”

There are options to help people plan safer travel:-

Check the Transport Agency’s website, www.nzta.govt.nz for travel information; freephones 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) and 0800 111 655 have national and regional travel updates

ENDS


© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines


Gordon Campbell: On The US Opposition To Mortgage Interest Deductibility For Landlords


Should landlords be able to deduct the interest on the loans they take out to bankroll their property speculation? The US Senate Budget Committee and Bloomberg News don't think this is a good idea, for reasons set out below. Regardless, our coalition government has been burning through a ton of political capital by giving landlords a huge $2.9 billion tax break via interest deductibility, while still preaching the need for austerity to the disabled, and to everyone else...
More


 
 

Government: Concerns Conveyed To China Over Cyber Activity
Foreign Minister Winston Peters has confirmed New Zealand’s concerns about cyber activity have been conveyed directly to the Chinese Government. “The Prime Minister and Minister Collins have expressed concerns today about malicious cyber activity... More

ALSO:


Government: GDP Decline Reinforces Government’s Fiscal Plan

Declining GDP for the December quarter reinforces the importance of restoring fiscal discipline to public spending and driving more economic growth, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says... More

ALSO:


Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.