The NZ Transport Agency is advising that the Wellington highways are recovering after heavy rainfall caused major closures yesterday. However the Transport Agency is still encouraging motorists to plan carefully for travel, and to expect delays at some places in and around Wellington due to ongoing clean-up and repairs following slips and flooding.
“We are pleased that our crews were able to complete the clean-up work required on State Highway 1, northern end of Coast Road, and the stop/go restriction in this area has been lifted. We also have two northbound lanes open, and one lane southbound, State Highway 1 Pukerua Bay to Plimmerton. There is a temporary speed restriction of 50 km/h. The wire rope barrier has been lowered so the stretch of road will look different. We remind drivers to keep their eyes on the road and adhere to the temporary speed limit,” Mark Owen, Regional Performance Manager, NZ Transport Agency says.
State Highway 2, just north of the Ngauranga interchange, is still down to one lane. This is due to the temporary diversion of the Hutt on-ramp and has led to delays during peak times.
Motorists travelling south on State Highway 1 and wanting to access State Highway 2 to get to the Hutt Valley should continue south on State Highway 1 into Wellington, take the Hawkestone off ramp and follow the signposted detour via the Tinakori on-ramp to access State Highway 1 northbound, and remain in the right hand lane to continue on to State Highway 2.
State Highway 58 from State Highway 2 to Paremata is currently open to Hutt-bound motorists. For Porirua-bound motorists, the road is open to Postgate Drive where a diversion is in place to the Whitford Brown traffic lights.
State Highway 58 between Paremata and Postgate Drive will be fully closed from 7pm tonight (Wednesday) through to 5.30am Thursday morning. This is to allow crews to get in and clear slips and debris. Check our website and social media for updates on this route on Thursday morning.
At Judgeford golf course on State Highway 58, a stop/go closure is in place and people should expect delays. This temporary traffic management is in place 24 hours a day, and is likely to be active for the rest of the week. State Highway 58 is currently not suitable for heavy vehicles and until further notice they should use the State Highway 2/1 route.
Local road, Grays Road has re-opened this afternoon. For the status of this road and other local roads such as Paekakariki Hill Road, check the Porirua City Council website(external link) and its Facebook page.
“We are expecting further rain through to Friday. While it won’t be as heavy or intense as Tuesday, there is still ongoing risk of further slips which may require emergency work to clear. Some parts of the network have suffered significant damage, and will require further assessment to identify permanent repairs. Crews will continue to work through the night and throughout the week on the affected section of the highways,” Mr Owen says.
“We appreciate that delays have been frustrating. We want to thank motorists for their ongoing patience and understanding after this significant weather event which had a major impact on our roads. We are continuing to provide information via our website and social media so people can plan ahead,” Mr Owen says.
People can call 0800 44 44 49 for updates and the Transport Agency’s website(external link) and social media accounts will be also updated as more information is available.
Rail services will be running on all lines with bus replacements between Plimmerton and Waikanae.
For bus and train updates and timetables, go to www.metlink.org.nz(external link)
