Drive with extreme care in wet and windy conditions

21 July 2017 | SOUTHERN REGION

Road users advised to slow down , drive with extreme care in wet and windy conditions: 9 am update

The NZ Transport Agency is reminding drivers to slow down and take extra care on South Island roads today with heavy overnight and morning rain causing surface flooding throughout Tasman, Marlborough, Kaikoura coast, and mid and south Canterbury.

“Motorists need to keep their speeds down, allow plenty of stopping distance and be mindful of surface flooding,” says Lee Wright, Transport Agency Journey Manager.

“There is a possibility of slips and flooding with this heavy rain, and debris on the roads from the high winds. Please drive to the conditions, slow down for all temporary speed restrictions and adhere to all flood warning signs.”

SH1 south of Kaikoura Coast Road is open

SH1 south of Kaikoura remains open but access is being controlled between Peketa and Goose Bay because of the risk of rock fall. Road users should expect delays and need to be aware that the road could close without warning. Check the NZTA traffic website for the status of the highway.

The inland road via Waiau and Mt Lyford, Route 70, remains open, although flooding of the Mason River means the road takes the Whalesback diversion with signals controlling one-way traffic.

Road users need to plan ahead if travelling today and can stay up-to-date with the latest road conditions at:

• www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic

• Important information is also shared via the Transport Agency’s official Twitter and Facebook accounts listed here https://www.nzta.govt.nz/contact-us/connect-with-us/

• Find safe winter driving tips at www.nzta.govt.nz/winterjourneys

• Drivers can also call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) to speak to the call centre team who can provide them with traffic and travel information either before they’re travelling or when they’re on the road, safely parked off the highway.

• MetService severe weather warnings here.

• Keep up to date with the latest MetService forecasts and any watches/warnings at metservice.com or on mobile devices at m.metservice.com.

ends