Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
The gale force winds afflicting Wellington and Wairarapa have forced the closure of State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill.
Update 9.35 pm:
State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill remains closed this evening for safety reasons
The road was closed just after 4 pm due to the extremely strong winds buffeting the route.
Waka Kotahi appreciates the closure is causing disruption and delays. However, the strength of the winds and the exposed nature of the Remutaka Hill route means the closure is needed to keep road users safe.
Wellington Transport Alliance roading crews are also responding to wind-related incidents across the region. This includes windblown debris and fallen trees.
Roadworks planned tonight for State Highway 2 near Horokiwi, and State Highway 1 near Johnsonville have also been deferred due to the bad weather.
Drivers should check road and weather conditions before travelling and make sure they drive to the conditions.
4:10pm:
The route has been subject to a strong wind warning since this morning and has been closely monitored all day.
With the winds intensifying, the decision has been made to close the highway for safety reasons.
The highway’s status will continue to be monitored and reviewed according to the weather conditions. Strong winds are forecast to continue until midnight.
People travelling between Wellington and Wairarapa should either delay their journey or use the longer detour via the Paihiatua Track between Paihiatua and Aokautere, or Saddle Road between Woodville and Ashhurst.
The detour will result in significantly longer travel times.
The Metservice continues to have wind warnings and watches for Wellington, Wairarapa, southern Hawke’s Bay, Marlborough, Tasman, Canterbury, and Otago.
It means drivers of motorcycles, trucks, vans, campervans, and towing vehicles must take extra care on the roads, particularly in areas exposed to high winds.
Drivers also need to be on the lookout for fallen trees and other debris brought down onto roads and highways by the bad weather.
The Wellington Transport Alliance is monitoring highways across Wellington and Wairarapa, with road crews clearing incidents as they occur.
Road users are encouraged to check road and weather conditions before travelling.
