Two bridges in Blenheim are closed due to extensive damage in this afternoon’s earthquake, and there are rock falls on State Highway One (SH1) in the Blenheim area.
Needle Creek Bridge and Flaxbourne Bridge, which are about 5kms apart on State Highway (SH1), are closed. Both are located south of Seddon.
SH1 is closed from Seddon to Kaikoura.
The NZ Transport Agency Highway Manager Marlborough Roads Frank Porter said the Transport Agency was undertaking structural checks of all its highways and assets including bridges this afternoon.
Meanwhile motorists and other road users are advised to take care as they travel about the region.
“Please avoid unnecessary travel around the region and if you do have to travel this evening please take extreme care,” he said.
Meanwhile the NZTA traffic operations centre in Johnsonville, Wellington, continues to operate and is monitoring the highways and transport network in Wellington and Blenheim 24 hours a day seven days a week.
