12.30pm, 13 August 2012

Check website for road closures

Christchurch motorists are advised to check local road closures online and avoid driving through areas of surface flooding as they travel through the city.

Extreme care should be taken when driving through surface flooding caused by recent high rainfall. Roads have been closed across the city in the worst-affected areas.

Go online to www.transportforchristchurch.govt.nz to find the latest information about road closures due to flooding.

Contractors have reported several cases of motorists driving through road closures and the area of Avonside Drive near Porritt Park is now being staffed to ensure no one drives through.

Council’s Transport and Greenspace Unit Manager Alan Beuzenberg says there are two potential issues with people driving through flooded areas. “The first is the bow wave caused by the vehicle, which can push water onto properties and put houses at risk. The second is the condition of the road underneath – the earthquakes have caused damage on the roads and you can’t see where potholes or hollows may have become bigger due to the flooding.

“It is very important that you do not drive through roads that have been closed and that, if you come across surface flooding, you drive very slowly.”

Staff and contractors are monitoring the worst-affected areas ahead of high-tide around 2pm today. High tide is likely to increase surface flooding levels in those areas usually prone to flooding.

“If you are concerned about rising flood levels reaching your home call the Council’s Call Centre on (03) 941 8999 or 0800 800 169,” Mr Beuzenberg says.

Eastern suburbs around the lower reaches of the Avon and Heathcote rivers, and areas around the Lower Styx River, have been particularly affected, as they are during any time of high rainfall. The area around Dudley Creek and St Albans Creek has also been affected and sand-bagging has been carried out to protect some buildings.

Rainfall has been higher in Banks Peninsula than other areas of the city and Akaroa has seen a number of slips and trees coming down on to roads. Canterbury Street in Lyttelton has been sand-bagged and there are a number of slips on the road between Lyttelton and Governors Bay. The road from Governors Bay to Diamond Harbour is less-affected, however it is possible road closures may be required on the Teddington straight around high tide. Several crews are working to address the issues on Banks Peninsula.

Contractors are preparing to work through the night again tonight to continue monitoring and clearing stormwater networks where necessary.

ENDS

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