The NZ Transport Agency advises that with more snow expected in the region tonight and tomorrow everyone should take extra care on the roads.
Regional Performance Manager Mark Owen says that the roads closed earlier today due to snow have all reopened.
“However, there’s more snow on the way for tonight through to tomorrow night which could see snow on State Highway 1 Desert Road, State Highway 2 Rimutaka Hill Road, and State Highway 5 Napier Taupo Road,” says Mr Owen.
“However, it is slippery, so drive carefully, reduce your speed, be extra cautious taking corners and wrap up warm. If we have more snow settle or ice form, and it’s not safe to drive, then we will close the roads again.”
More snow is forecast down to 200 metres for the Rimutaka Hill Road from later this evening through to late tomorrow which could affect sections of the road.
Anyone who usually drives over the hill for work should consider taking the train or working from home tomorrow as the road may be closed, or slippery and hazardous for more vulnerable road users such as motorcyclists.
Please watch the electronic signs on SH2 at Upper Hutt, Featherston, Masterton and Woodville, or follow us on Twitter @NZTAWgtn, NZ Transport Agency – Wellington on Facebook or tfw.govt.nz.
The Desert Road (SH1 Waiouru to Turangi) is currently open but again please drive with care due to snow and ice. Further snow showers are expected this evening through to tomorrow evening.
SH5 Napier to Taupo Road has just reopened. If it snows again, we will consider closing the road for safety reasons. Further snow showers are expected this evening through to tomorrow evening, Please plan ahead and consider whether you need to travel tonight and tomorrow on this road.
“The freezing weather is forecast to hang around until Friday lunchtime, so we urge people to take extra care, watch their speeds and stopping distances and be really careful taking corners.”
Early-rising commuters also need to be vigilant on the roads for snow and black ice, particularly on the Rimutaka Hill Road, Desert Road, Napier Taupo Road and Paekakariki Hill Road this week.
Contractors are on standby to clear any snow and the team Wellington Transport Operations Centre will be monitoring the weather and keeping a close eye on the road conditions.
For travel information: Follow us on Twitter @NZTAWgtn(external link); visit Transport for Wellington(external link); sign up to email alerts at On The Move(external link); check our live traffic cameras(external link) and road information updates(external link).
The Transport Agency is committed to improving its customer service. To provide feedback on our customer service or something you've noticed on the highways email info@nzta.govt.nz.
