Waka Kotahi is reminding drivers throughout the Manawatū-Whannganui and Taranaki to take extra care on the roads, as heavy rain yesterday and overnight has caused a number of slips and road closures.
UPDATE 4.30pm:
Roading crews at a number of sites around Manawatū-Whannganui have been working hard this afternoon to clear slips, fallen trees and debris to open state highways.
Heavy rainfall yesterday evening and overnight has caused slips and surface flooding around the region and Waka Kotahi continues to urge all road users to drive to the conditions and with caution.
As at 4.30pm:
In Manawatū-Whanganui:
Waka Kotahi Manawatū-Whanganui and Taranaki System Manager Rob Service is continuing to advise care when travelling around the region.
“Sites which have been cleared this afternoon may still have traffic controls in place – lower speeds or stop/go controls for example. Likewise, the sites we hope to be able to open this evening. If you’re travelling in the region, please drive to the conditions; slow down; expect delays and follow any advice from traffic controllers on site. They’re there to keep everyone safe.
“Road closures are in place for all road users’ safety – please adhere to the current road closures and take signposted detours where possible.
“We really appreciate the patience and understanding from all road users as we work quickly and safely to make these roads passable again.”
UPDATE 1.30pm:
Roading crews are currently at a number of sites around Manawatū-Whannganui working to clear debris from flooded sections of the state highway network.
Heavy rainfall yesterday evening and overnight has caused slips and surface flooding around the regions. However with the rain easing today, water levels are expected to start receding later this afternoon.
As at 1.30pm:
In Manawatū-Whanganui:
Waka Kotahi expects SH54 will reopen soon. If you’re travelling the road, please expect temporary speed restrictions and follow advice from roading crews on site.
In Taranaki, there are NO current closures, however roading crews have been busy clearing smaller slips and fallen trees.
“Our crews are working as quickly as possible to open these roads as safely as possible and with river levels expected to peak mid afternoon, we are hoping this can happen later today in a number of places,” says Waka Kotahi Manawatū-Whannganui and Taranaki System Manager Rob Service.
“Other areas, like Whanganui’s Anzac Parade may take a little longer, so please be patient.
“In the meantime, please take care around our work sites and follow signposted detours.
“We’re asking people to keep an eye on the forecast before travelling; be safe, be alert to debris and surface flooding; travel at slower speeds when necessary and keep a safe distance from other road users. Please keep an eye out on roading closures and drive to the conditions.,” says Mr Service.
“We really appreciate the patience and understanding from all road users as we work quickly and safely to make these roads passable again.”
10.30am:
Metservice has now lifted its heavy rain warnings in place for the regions, however rain is still expected during the day.
Roading crews are currently out assessing any damage while some slips and fallen trees are cleared.
Waka Kotahi Manawatū-Whanganui and Taranaki System Manager Rob Service is reminding road users to drive to the conditions and be careful while driving around the regions.
“We’re asking people to keep an eye on the forecast before travelling; be safe, be alert to debris and surface flooding; travel at slower speeds when necessary and keep a safe distance from other road users.
“Roading crews are currently out around the regions checking on closure points and for further potential damage from overnight.
Update as at 10.30am:
In Manawatū-Whanganui:
In Taranaki:
“The roads won’t reopen until it is safe to do so again, so in the meantime, please take care around our work sites and follow signposted detours,” says Mr Service.
