UPDATE 1:45 pm:
State Highway 58 is now open in both directions between Joseph Banks Drive and James Cook Drive. Localised flooding and a slip that earlier affected the route have been cleared.
The highway reopened shortly before 1 pm.
Meanwhile, wet weather continues to affect the wider Wellington region, and contractors remain on call to manage weather-related incidents.
The bad weather is expected to continue through peak commuting times this afternoon, with a Heavy Rain Warning in force until 6 pm.
Drivers are urged to take extra care during rush hour and drive according to the conditions. As the rain continues, localised flooding and debris can be expected on local roads and highways.
UPDATE 10:50 am:
State Highway 58 in Whitby is now closed to westbound traffic between Joseph Banks Drive and James Cook Drive.
Road crews are managing surface flooding and a slip on the route. Westbound drivers must use avoid the area and use an alternative route. However, the highway remains open to eastbound traffic. Drivers travelling between Pāuatahanui and Paekākāriki also need to be aware the Paekākāriki Hill local road is also closed. This must be factored into travel plans.
UPDATE: 10:30 am
With the bad weather forecast continuing until early this evening, Wellington drivers must continue to exercise caution on the region’s roads and highways.
All State Highways are currently open, but roading crews have been attending multiple incidents across the network this morning.
This has included localised flooding on State Highway 2 – Korokoro to Dowse and State Highway 58 near Flightys Road.
State Highway 58 near James Cook Drive was affected by both flooding and a slip, and State Highway 1 Mackays crossing near Waikanae had some minor surface flooding as well.
With more rain forecast and high tide, there is potential for further localised flooding on the State Highway network. Road crews are monitoring the network and will respond to incidents as they occur.
Road users must be prepared for wet weather driving conditions and drive accordingly.
Roads can be closed on short notice in bad weather, and localised flooding can cause lane closures on urban highways. Please check road and weather conditions before you travel.
7:15 am:
Wellington drivers are urged to take care on the roads, as a Heavy Rain Warning is now in force for the region.
The Metservice has issued a Warning for the Kāpiti Coast, also Wellington north of Wellington City. It is in force until six o’clock this evening. A Heavy Rain Watch is also in place for Horowhenua.
The bad weather covers State Highway 1 – Wellington to Levin, State Highway 2 through the Hutt Valley, and State Highway 58 – Haywards Hill to Pāuatahanui.
Localised flooding has already closed one northbound lane on State Highway 2 near Petone, and is also affecting State Highway 58 - Pāuatahanui to Judgeford.
Road users must take extra care, especially during peak commuter traffic, and be prepared for hazards such as slips, rockfalls and localised flooding.
They must drive according to the conditions—wet roads are slippery, reduce speed, increase following distances, avoid sudden braking, and use headlights if visibility is poor.
Bad weather can close roads and highways at short notice. Drivers should check road and weather conditions before they travel.
