Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is advising that a number of highways in the Lower North Island have been impacted by the recent heavy rain and are closed or have surface flooding.
Current closures include SH 2 northbound, north of the Kelson/Major Drive intersection, and SH 58 which has been most affected by flooding a minor slip, and SH 1 through Mana and flooding at the Plimmerston Roundabout.
"We're advising people to avoid travel along these routes unless absolutely essential until at least lunchtime today, but which time the water will likely have receded, however extra time and care with travel due to damage and contractors undertaking repairs," says NZTA Transport Systems Manager Mark Owen.
It is likely that SH 58 will remain closed, from Pauatahanui to SH 2, due the extent of damage.
A further update will be provided this afternoon.
The Transport Agency thanks people for their patience and asks them to check before they travel as to whether the route is open and take extreme care when travelling, with more wet weather forecast for later this afternoon.
