The NZ Transport Agency is advising that due to a series of large earthquakes throughout the morning of 14 November, sections of State Highway 1 between Blenheim to Christchurch, and State Highway 7 between State Highway 1 and Springs Junction (Lewis Pass) are closed.
In some areas large slips are blocking the roads, and in others, bridges are being checked for damage. Geotechnical and bridge engineers and contractors are on site making assessments but some sites are likely to remain closed until further notice. Aftershocks are still occurring, adding to the risk of further material falling.
The Metservice have also issued a warning of strong winds and heavy rain for the top of the South Island and lower North Island, which has the potential for further impact to sites that are already damaged from the earthquakes. More information will be available on the Metservice’s website(external link).
There are no reports of damage on state highways in and around Christchurch. The Lyttelton Tunnel is fully open. Certain areas may have more traffic as people’s usual travel plans have been disrupted so please exercise tolerance and patience. Wellington state highways are still being checked, but at this stage we are not anticipating that any state highways in the wider Wellington region that will require closure. As with Christchurch, as people’s usual travel plans have been disrupted, there may be more traffic on the roads outside of peak times, so please exercise tolerance and patience.
Wellington Regional Civil Defence have advised that staff of central Wellington organisations are advised to stay home and get in touch with their employers for further instructions.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Felicity Connell, Media Manager, Central region
