Nelson and Tasman flooding - highways update

The NZ Transport Agency is advising motorists in the Nelson/Tasman region to avoid non-essential travel, as heavy rain and flooding continues throughout the region.

NZTA Operations Manager Mark Owen says surface flooding and slips are rife throughout the region, and a number of roads are closed.

"We're asking motorists to avoid non-essential journeys, and if you must drive, take extreme care and drive to the conditions."

"Our crews are out in force throughout the network cleaning up slips and trying to get the roads safely reopened as soon as we can."

The latest situation is as follows:

• SH 6 Rocks Rd in Nelson City: CLOSED due to a slip/rocks on the road, cleanup currently underway - alternative route via Waimea Rd (Stoke to Nelson City)
• SH 60 Appleby straight/bridge: CLOSED due to flooding, expected to reopen once water recedes - alternative routes from Richmond to Motueka are open but extreme care is required.
• SH 60 Takaka Hill: SLIPS - extreme care required - cleanup currently underway
• SH 60 Bird's Hill: CLOSED - this route between Takaka to Collingwood is affected by a large drop out/slip, and may take some time to restore one lane access

The latest information about highway conditions and closures can be found at www.highwayinfo.govt.nz(external link) or by calling 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49).