Waka Kotahi NZ Transport is advising motorists of significant delays on State Highway 1 at Paekakariki due to a slip and train derailment.
Regional Maintenance and Operations Manager Mark Owen says the southbound lane has been blocked and queues are backed up on State Highway 1 in both directions.
“We expect delays will take some time to ease so we’re encouraging people to avoid travel, if possible. For people who do need to travel, they may like to consider using Paekakariki Hill Road, however this road can be more challenging to drive and has been impacted by slips and debris, so we’re asking motorists to take extra care.
“Crews have been onsite operating stop/go traffic management past the slip site to allow southbound traffic stuck within the cordon to get through.
“As northbound traffic was temporarily stopped to allow for these vehicles to get past, there are also delays for motorists heading north.
“Our focus for today is to get the slip cleared and get the road fully open to traffic as quickly and safely as we can. A digger is onsite to clear the slip and loose material off the road, which may take several hours.
“We’re advising motorists to take extra care, drive to the conditions and stay alert for debris on the roads throughout the greater Wellington region today. Weather conditions are challenging, with strong winds and rain forecast for much of the day.
“We will be keeping a close eye on the situation and contractors will be out on the network, clearing any debris and blocked culverts as quickly as possible,” Mr Owen says.
A train was derailed by the slip earlier today and a crane may be required to free the train which could impact traffic. It is expected that all trains between Porirua and Waikanae on the Kāpiti line will be suspended for the remainder of the day.
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