Several key highways linking regions of the South Island are today closed due to flooding, slips, and rivers rising, says Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency System Manager Pete Connors.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency crews are dealing with a fresh slip largely comprising rockfall on SH6 between Haast and Haast Pass today. The highway links the West Coast to Otago.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is keeping part of SH63 through the Wairau Valley and over The Wash bridge closed again overnight tonight (Thursday night) and also tomorrow, Friday, as floodwaters still cover parts of the highway.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is keeping part of SH63 through the Wairau Valley and over The Wash bridge closed today as floodwaters still cover large parts of the highway and parts have been damaged by flooding.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency road crews will be sealing a number of sites on State Highway 1 north of Dunedin, and in North Otago at Herbert and Pukeuri on Thursday and Friday this week - 5, 6 December.
As the forecast heavy rain fell over the western and northern parts of the South Island overnight and today, a number of highways have closed with slips and fallen trees blocking access.
The MetService has issued a heavy rain warning for western parts of the South Island, Westland and Nelson for this afternoon through to Tuesday evening.
A contract to complete the last five big repair sites on State Highway 60, Takaka Hill, significantly damaged by Cyclone Gita in 2018, has been awarded to construction company Downer by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has begun a major realignment of 700 metres of highway on SH7, west of the Hanmer Springs turnoff. Establishment work on site started this week with earthworks from next week.
People who are travelling south of the Selwyn River/Waikirikiri bridge in Canterbury this weekend should be aware of slight delays at the rail level crossing at Selwyn Lake Road.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency, alongside the Department of Conservation, is closing two stopping areas on the Milford Sound highway (SH94) for the summer season, due to increased rockfall risk with subsequent potential danger to people.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency says State Highway 6, 10 km west of Murchison, will remain closed overnight and all day Friday following a fatal crash which occurred around 2pm this afternoon.