TRAFFIC BULLETIN

19 January 2017 |

Storm impacts on South Island roads, and Rimutaka Hill Road, Wellington

The NZ Transport Agency is advising that a number of roads in the South Island are closed to due slips, fallen trees and flooding. Motorists are advised to delay travel and check the latest conditions before starting their journey.

In the North Island, the Rimutaka Hill Road is closed due to strong wind gusts. Currently there are no other closures on North Island  state highways, but extra caution is still required due to the weather. Watch speed and following distances, and be aware there may be smaller slips or debris on the road. As conditions can change rapidly, again, check the latest weather and road updates before travelling. Motorcyclists and those driving high-sided vehicles should take extra care in the Wellington region.

These parts of the  state highway network are currently closed:

South Island

·         SH73 Arthurs Pass to Jacksons- road closed due to flooding, slips and fallen trees. This road is unlikely to re-open today

·         SH73 Arthurs Pass to Kumara - road closed due to flooding, slips and fallen trees. This road is unlikely to re-open today.

·         SH7 Reefton to Greymouth (Stillwater Underpass) - road closed due to flooding.

·         SH65 Springs Junction/SH6 intesection - road closed due to flooding

·         SH7 The Lewis Pass - road closed due to flooding

·         SH6 Westport to Greymouth (just north of Barrytown)  - road closed due to flooding.

·         The Alternate SH1 Route from Picton to Christchurch is closed at SH65 and SH7.

Warnings are in place for:

·         SH2 Waipara to Springs Junction

·         SH 6     Hokitika to Haast

North Island

·         SH2 Rimutaka Hill Road

Drivers are urged to be aware of the risks of sudden surface flooding and slips, and take extra care with high winds also affecting many areas. This media release has general information about driving in storm conditions www.nzta.govt.nz/media-

For information on the latest driving conditions, go to the Traffic and Travel map on the Transport Agency’s web page, or phone 0800 4HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)

All of the details of the Transport Agency’s Facebook and Twitter accounts nationwide can be found at www.nzta.govt.nz/contact-us/

Please check the MetService severe weather warnings for updates - http://www.metservice.com/

In case of an emergency, always carry a fully-charged mobile phone and warm, weatherproof clothing, food and water.

For the latest information on impacts on public transport in Wellington visit www.metlink.org.nz (external link)

As there may be impacts on local roads and services, check your local Council’s website and Facebook for local updates.

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