Transport Update - Wellington at 3.50pm

The NZ Transport Agency says extreme rainfall is severely affecting the transport network and is advising motorists to plan ahead and explore contingency plans.

The Agency is advising that a number of roads are closed and there is heavy congestion across the network which is likely to deteriorate. Train services are currently suspended throughout the region.

If you are unable to travel home, then the Agency recommends finding accommodation in town, or staying with friends or family. Flooding has closed SH1 on the Coast Road and SH2 in Lower Hutt and Petone. Crews are working to open the road corridor as soon as possible but a time of reopening is not currently known.

“This has been an extraordinary period of rain and it has caused major disruption. Our crews are working nonstop to clear flooding and debris and get people moving. However, the weather has made it difficult for people to travel between Wellington and Kapiti, and Wellington and Hutt City,” says Acting Wellington Highways Manager Neil Walker.

The Agency urges people to check the NZTA website, Transport for Wellington or the@ nztawgtn Twitter feed before traveling, as conditions are subject to change at short notice.

The Transport Agency is urging people to avoid non-essential travel. Widespread flooding and slips can be expected across the roading network and extreme care is required on all roads.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

• SH2 Ngauranga to Melling – CLOSED northbound
• SH2 Melling to Petone – CLOSED southbound
• SH2 Petone to Ngauranga – OPEN southbound
• SH1 Plimmerton to Paekakariki – OPEN with but is restricted by flooding and slips on the coast road
• SH58 - OPEN but take care
• SH2 Rimutaka Hill Road – OPEN but take care

Highways open if not stated otherwise.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN:

• If you’re travelling from Wellington to Hutt Valley you will need to go the long way around, via SH1 and SH58.
• If you’re travelling from Hutt Valley to Wellington, you can still do so but you will need to use the local road network until you get to the Petone onramp.
• If you’re travelling from Wellington to Tawa/ Porirua (or vice versa), no change in normal route.
• If you’re travelling to Kapiti from Wellington, or vice versa, there is intermittent road access up the coast. There is very limited access on the coast road so expect long delays.
• If you’re heading to Wairarapa – Access Rimutaka Hill Road via SH1 and SH58.

Please note that conditions are subject to change.

For travel information: Follow us on Twitter @NZTAWgtn(external link); visit our website(external link) or Transport for Wellington(external link); sign up to email alerts at On The Move(external link); or check our live traffic cameras(external link)