State Highway 1 north of Christchurch has now closed to all traffic.
The NZ Transport Agency’s Performance Manager Pete Connors says the highway is now closed to all traffic from Waikuku to Amberley and there is no suitable detour with extensive flooding in the area.
“Flooding continues to worsen at Saltwater Creek and the Kowai River is now flowing across the highway at Leithfield, making it no longer safe for any vehicles to be travelling on the highway.”
He says the Transport Agency will review the situation at 4pm, although safety will be its top priority in determining whether the road will be able to re-open tonight.
For the latest updates on the state highway conditions and hazards call freephone 0800 4 HIGHWAYS or visit the website www.highwayinfo.govt.nz
