MEDIA RELEASE

5 August 2016 | CENTRAL REGION

Be prepared for wintry conditions on Rimutaka Hill Road

The NZ Transport Agency is warning motorists that wintry weather forecast for Friday and over the weekend may affect travel over the Rimutaka Hill Road, State Highway 2.

Snow showers, rain and cool temperatures may contribute to challenging driving conditions.

“If you are planning on heading over the hill for a weekend in the Wairarapa, or travelling over to Wellington for the Hurricanes/Lions game, consider your travel options. If you can, catch the train, or stay overnight in Wellington rather than driving back over the hill late on Saturday night. And depending on the weather, we’re still advising caution for travellers on Sunday,” Mark Owen, Regional Performance Manager, NZ Transport Agency says.

“We’ll have contractors on site so they can quickly respond to any weather-related road effects. If necessary, they’ll close the road if weather conditions deteriorate and make the road unsafe.”

“As conditions can change rapidly, check the latest weather and road updates before you get on the road,” Mr Owen says.

Variable message signs on both sides of the Rimutaka Hill Road will advise motorists of the current road conditions, and regular updates will be available via:

• www.facebook.com/nztawgtn

• www.twitter.com/NZTAWgtn

• www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic

The Transport Agency’s Winter Journeys website www.nzta.govt.nz/winter-journeys brings together tips on winter driving and links to get updates on the latest weather and road conditions.

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