The Transport Agency says it now has one northbound and one southbound lane on operating SH1 between Saddle Hill and Lookout Point in Dunedin, after they were affected by major flooding earlier today.
Earlier today, heavy rain closed the two north bound lanes of the southern motorway in this area, and cut the south bound lanes of the motorway to just one between the Burnside over bridge and the Green Island On Ramp.
Transport Agency Journey Manager Graeme Hall, says up until now, northbound traffic had been detouring on local roads through Green Island, where flood levels in the Kaikorai Stream are expected to peak at around 10pm tonight. The forecast is for the rain to ease from late this evening.
With so many roads affected by flooding in the Dunedin area, people should avoid any non-essential travel overnight and re-assess their travels plans in the morning.
Other highways in the Dunedin area are affected by flooding are:
Graeme Hall says there is some concern, that flooding and forecast snow and sleet may affect higher parts of the northern motorway out of Dunedin overnight and tomorrow morning. The Transport Agency and its contractors will be closely monitoring this situation.
For the latest information on highway conditions go to www.highwayinfo.govt.nz(external link) or phone 0800 44 44 49.
