The New Zealand Transport Agency is advising that good progress is being made on clearing a slip on the southbound lanes of the Ngauranga Gorge in Wellington, but motorists should still expect significant travel delays in the region while work continues.
More than half of the debris from the 5500m3 slip on State Highway 2 at the Waioeka Gorge has now been cleared, but the site remains active and more work is needed to get the road open.
The NZ Transport Agency advises road users to be prepared and stay safe as the snow moves up the South Island. Contractors will be working overnight on snow and ice-affected roads.
The New Zealand Transport Agency is advising that all three southbound lanes of the Ngauranga Gorge in Wellington will remain closed until at least late this evening, as contractors work to clear a large slip and ensure the area is safe for traffic.
All three southbound lanes are closed in the Ngauranga Gorge following a slip. Two northbound lane are also closed to allow contractors to access the area.
The South Island is experiencing cold, freezing weather, snow, sleety showers and ice today. Driving is treacherous in many places and drivers need to slow down on both icy roads and gritted roads.
The NZ Transport Agency says work to remove the slip on State Highway 2 between Opotiki and Gisborne is well underway with several trucks clearing the debris at both ends.
The NZ Transport Agency says an urgent programme of additional work will get underway immediately to significantly improve the Saddle Road detour route as new geotechnical information has highlighted major safety risks in the Manawatū Gorge which are likely to keep the road closed for some time.
Otago and Southland people should be ready for icy roads overnight and Thursday morning, 6 July, says John Jarvis, Senior Network Manager, NZ Transport Agency.
The NZ Transport Agency says traffic has been flowing well through the Waterview Connection and surrounding motorways for the second weekday, with Aucklanders reporting reduced travel times on their usual routes.
State Highway 8 near Lake Pukaki, South Canterbury, is currently closed due to a serious crash late this afternoon. Drivers are advised to postpone their journeys between Hayman Road and Tekapo Canal Road this evening as the closure could be in place for some time.
