The NZ Transport Agency is advising that due to heavy rain in the Kaikoura District, Inland Route 70 has closed between Mt Lyford and Kaikoura.

Deteriorating weathers conditions also mean that State Highway 1 north and south of Kaikoura will close at 5pm tonight:

· South of Kaikoura will be closed between the Leader Rd/SH1 intersection to Peketa

· North of Kaikoura will be closed between Mangamaunu to Clarence

Please note that access is still available to Mt Lyford from Waiau.

Safety needs to be the top priority for all road users in the region and NZTA is advising caution given the likelihood of surface flooding, rockfalls and small slips.

An update on the road conditions will be provided by 9.30am tomorrow morning once crews have completed a full inspection of the network. Heavy rain is expected to continue into the evening in Kaikoura tonight.

Road users are asked to delay travel, if possible, until the road conditions are known in the morning or use the alternate State Highway 1 via Lewis Pass in the meantime for travel between Christchurch and Picton.

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