Roading crews will continue the cleanup on the state highway network around Manawatū-Whanganui and Taranaki, following a weekend of heavy rain and wind.
Heavy rain and wind caused trees to fall down and surface flooding, leading to a number of road closures around the regions.
One state highway remains closed at this stage - State Highway 54 between Kimbolton Road, Cheltanham and Cooks Road.
Waka Kotahi Manawatū-Whanganui and Taranaki System Manager Rob Service has thanked crews for their hard work getting the roads to this point.
“A number of roads were closed for the most part of yesterday – now it’s down to one closure – a section of SH54.
“We are currently working to open SH54 as quickly and safely as possible.
”Any closures are frustrating and it’s because of the hard work from contractors and the patience from road users that we’ve been able to open most of those roads.
“We’re still urging road users take on the roads that we have been able to open. There are still a few more minor slips on the network.
“This is where contractors will focus their attention over the next week – continuing that clean up.
“In the meantime, people travelling on the network will notice more contractors in hi-vis clothing and more traffic controls in place – such as lower speeds or stop/go controls.
”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.
