Transport Update - Wellington at 4.50pm

The NZ Transport Agency advises motorists that SH2 has partially reopened to northbound traffic, after it was closed due to flooding this afternoon.

Acting Wellington Highways Manager Neil Walker says that the highway has been reopened to one lane between the Ngauranga Interchange and Dowse. This now means people can travel directly to the Hutt Valley, via the Dowse interchange, although there is extensive congestion.

Limited bus services are being provided by Greater Wellington, but people are urged to delay their journeys or consider staying in town if they are able, as major disruption is expected to continue for some time.

The Agency is advising that a number of roads are affected by flooding 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.

“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 Dowse - OPEN to one lane northbound
• SH2  Dowse to Melling – CLOSED northbound
• SH2 Melling to Petone – OPEN to one lane 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 can use SH2 but there is only one lane open and there is severe congestion
• If you’re travelling from Hutt Valley to Wellington, you can still do so but you will need to take the signposted alternate routes.
• 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)