The NZ Transport Agency is advising motorists that State Highway 1 has re-opened to a single lane between Pukerua Bay and Paekakariki.
Stop/go traffic controls are in place. Drivers are advised to expect significant delays, and the Transport Agency is urging people to consider delaying trips if possible until the severe weather has cleared.
The road was closed in both directions overnight due to damage caused by storm surges. Large waves have caused significant damage to the northbound lanes in two locations between Pukerua Bay and Paekakariki, causing guardrails and parts of the footpath on the seaward side of the road to collapse.
Crews have been on site all night assessing the condition of the road and working to re-open the southbound lane. Coastal erosion engineers are currently inspecting the damage to the northbound lanes, and it is too early to say when the road will re-open to traffic in both directions. A further update will be provided later this morning.
The Paekakariki Hill remains open for light vehicles, and SH58 is also open.
Drivers are urged to delay trips into Wellington from north of the city until SH1 has been re-opened.
Further updates to follow.
The latest severe weather information is available at www.metservice.com/warnings/severe-weather-warnings(external link). For emergency and disaster updates visit www.civildefence.govt.nz
(external link)
For Central North Island
For Wellington
For South Island
