Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
UPDATE 8:20 am:
Bad weather and flooding are causing further state highway closures in the top of the South Island this morning.
Drivers must stay off weather-affected highways while they remain closed and avoid any unnecessary travel.
Nelson/Tasman
Flooding has closed State Highway 6 between Belgrove and Richmond.
State Highway 60 has also been closed across its entire length from Richmond to Collingwood because of flooding at multiple locations.
Marlborough
State Highway 63 now has a full closure from St Arnaud to Anglesea Street in Renwick
Update: 6:50am
With heavy rain affecting the top of the South Island overnight, and continuing to fall this morning, road crews are attending multiple incidents on state highways across the region.
Wet weather driving conditions apply and road users can experience traffic management at multiple locations due to flooding, rockfalls, and slips.
Nelson/Tasman
Rob Service, System Manager, says there are multiple flooding and slips sites in the Nelson/Tasman region
“State Highway 6 near Wakefield, is under a temporary closure for light vehicles due to flooding.”
“State Highway 60 at the Riwaka/Kaiteriteri intersection is also affected by flooding and slips have also been reported on the Tākaka Hill,” Mr Service says.
There is also localised flooding at the Three Brothers intersection (SH6/SH60), as well as in Brightwater, Belgrove, and Kohatu.
Mr Service says with heavy rain still falling, the potential for further disruption on local highways remains
“It is essential drivers take extreme caution on the roads while the bad weather continues. Road crews are attending multiple incidents and are doing their best to resolve issues as they arise.”
Marlborough
Flooding has closed State Highway 63 in Renwick between Anglesea Street and Inkerman Street. Local road detours are available, and drivers can expect delays.
System Manager Wayne Oldfield says surface flooding has also been reported at multiple sites.
“This includes State Highway 6 at Havelock, State Highway 63 in the Wairau Valley, and State Highway 1 near Koromiko.”
“These sections of highway are currently open, but driving conditions are challenging. While the rain continues to fall, drivers must be prepared for road hazards and the possibility of road closures,” Mr Old field says.
General advice
The Metservice has regional weather warnings in place until this afternoon and evening for both Nelson/Tasman and Marlborough. This means the risk of flooding, slips, rockfalls remains ongoing.
Drivers must check road and weather conditions before they travel and avoid any area where highways are closed due to bad weather.
All road closures must be obeyed. They are there to keep the public safe.
