Media release #1

4pm Friday 16 August

Wellington highways open but congested

Highways around Wellington region are open. However, the State Highway 1 and 2 are severely congested with traffic leaving Wellington city.

The NZ Transport Agency State Highway Manager Wellington Rod James said the Agency was undertaking structural checks of all its highways and assets including bridges and tunnels this afternoon.

Meanwhile motorists and other road users to take care as they travel about the region.

“The roads are busy as people are choosing to leave the city centre and the Hutt and head home so please be patient with your fellow road users and allow extra time for travel,” he said.

Damage at this stage appears to be restricted to the Manners Mall, Cuba St and Featherstone St areas of the CBD where there is broken glass on the roads.

“Please avoid unnecessary travel into the city centre and if you do have to travel this evening please take extreme care, as there may be debris on local roads. Also be careful of pedestrians as a lot of people are walking home from the city,” he said.

Other transport information:

• Train services have been suspended while track inspections are carried out

• Buses are operating as usual but subject to delays due to congested roads.

• Airport is open

• All local roads open but be careful as there is broken glass on pavements and roads

• Mobile phone lines are busy so please text where you can

Meanwhile the NZTA traffic operations centre in Johnsonville continues to operate and is monitoring the highways and transport network in Wellington and Blenheim 24 hours a day seven days a week.

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