Crews are onsite at Paihiatua Track working to clear the current slips and flooding as quickly as possible.
The track is currently closed, as is Balance Valley Road/Gorge Road following persistent and heavy rainfall, slips and flooding.
Balance Valley Road/Gorge Road will remain closed until further notice.
As at 2.15pm:
Pahiatua Track is CLOSED due to slips and flooding.
Ballance Valley Road/Gorge Road is CLOSED between Pahiatua Track and State Highway 3, due to flooding and slips. This road will be closed until further notice.
All other local state highways remain open, however please be careful and drive to the conditions – with the possibility of further surface flooding or slips as the rain continues.
As at 12pm:
Pahiatua Track is CLOSED due to slips and flooding.
BALLANCE Valley Road/Gorge Road is CLOSED between Pahiatua Track and State Highway 3, due to flooding and slips.
Please use the Saddle Road as the alternative to Pahiatua Track.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is urging drivers travelling throughout Manawatū, Whanganui and Tararua to be extra cautious over the coming days as heavy rain continues to saturate the region.
Crews are continuing to closely monitor all state highways in the region for any slips and surface flooding.
Regional Manager of Maintenance and Operations Rua Pani says extreme caution is needed while travelling around the region.
“Even if state highways are open, the ground around them is saturated from so much rain. Please be on alert for possible flooding or slips or debris on the network.
“We know the importance of Pahiatua Track and our crews are working as quickly as possible to clear debris.
“It’s really important to drive to the conditions when travelling around the region, adjust your speed and following distance when you need to and be alert for the possibility of surface flooding or debris on roads.
Please also expect short-notice closures should conditions worsen and keep an eye on the NZTA Journey Planner for any changes.
The next update will be at 2PM.
Images of the Bremner’s Bridge on Ballance Valley Road:
