Road users advised to delay their journeys with major flooding affecting South Island roads: 3pm update

The NZ Transport Agency is urging drivers to consider delaying journeys south of Christchurch or north of Dunedin today, with significant flooding on SH1 and local roads in South Canterbury and along SH1 Coastal Otago from Timaru to Dunedin.

This is a significant flooding event. SH1 North of Ashburton may close this afternoon or this evening. Several highways are already closed, and in many areas no safe detours are currently available.  

• State Highway 77 between Ashburton and Methven has road closed.

• State Highway 79 Geraldine to Fairlie – road closed.

• State Highway 82 Waimate Gorge to Kurow – road closed 

• State Highway 83 Peebles to Pukeuri – road closed

• State Highway 1 south of Kaikoura has REOPENED. Please note traffic will be convoyed between Peketa and Goose Bay for the rest of the day until the road closes at 6pm. Delays expected if you are using this route.

• Route 70 remains closed, but when the rain eases off the river levels should drop. No update time set yet.

Check the NZTA traffic website for the status of the highway.

Motorists need to keep their speeds down, allow plenty of stopping distance and be mindful of surface flooding,” says Lee Wright, Transport Agency Journey Manager.

Road users need to plan ahead if travelling today and can stay up-to-date with the latest road conditions at: www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic(external link) 

Important information is also shared via the Transport Agency’s official Twitter and Facebook accounts listed here.

Find safe winter driving tips at www.nzta.govt.nz/winterjourneys   (external link)

Drivers can also call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) to speak to the call centre team who can provide them with traffic and travel information either before they’re travelling or when they’re on the road, safely parked off the highway.

MetService severe weather warnings here.(external link) 

Keep up to date with the latest MetService forecasts and any watches/warnings at metservice.com(external link) or on mobile devices at m.metservice.com.(external link)