Storm update for South Island roads, and Rimutaka Hill Road, Wellington

The NZ Transport Agency is advising that the Lewis Pass is now open to a single lane, re-establishing access from Picton to Christchurch via the alternate South Island state highway route.

Storm update for South Island roads, and Rimutaka Hill Road, Wellington

The NZ Transport Agency is advising that the Lewis Pass is now open to a single lane, re-establishing access from Picton to Christchurch via the alternate South Island state highway route.

Several roads in the South Island remain closed to due slips, fallen trees and flooding. Motorists are advised to delay travel and check the latest conditions before starting their journey.

Roads closed:

• SH6 Murchison to Westport – road closed, from the intersection with SH65 through to the intersection with SH67, due to a slip.
• SH73 Arthurs Pass to Jacksons - road closed due to flooding, slips and fallen trees. A further update will be provided at 5pm today, this road is unlikely to re-open today.
• SH7 Reefton to Greymouth (Stillwater Underpass) - road closed due to flooding.

Area & Road warnings:

• SH7 Waipara to Springs Junction – road open, strong wind warning – high sided vehicles and motorcycles take extra care.
• SH6 Hokitika to Haast – road open, surface flooding - take extra care.
• SH6 Inangahua to Westport – road open, fallen trees and flooding affecting the road.
• SH87 Outram to Kyeburn – strong wind warning – high sided vehicles and motorcycles take extra care.

In the North Island, the Rimutaka Hill Road is now open, with a strong wind warning in place. Currently there are no other closures on North Island  state highways, but extra caution is still required due to the weather. Watch speed and following distances, and be aware there may be smaller slips or debris on the road. As conditions can change rapidly, again, check the latest weather and road updates before travelling. Motorcyclists and those driving high-sided vehicles should take extra care in the Wellington region.

For information on the latest driving conditions, go to the Traffic and Travel map on the Transport Agency’s web page, or phone 0800 4HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)

All of the details of the Transport Agency’s Facebook and Twitter accounts nationwide can be found here.

Please check the MetService severe weather warnings for updates(external link)

In case of an emergency, always carry a fully-charged mobile phone and warm, weatherproof clothing, food and water.