Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is advising that State Highway 59 (SH59 – formerly State Highway 1) at Pukerua Bay is closed in both directions due to slips. Paekakariki Hill Road is also closed due to fallen trees.

Heavy rain in recent days has made the hills along SH59 unstable, with slips and debris falling onto the highway in multiple locations.

It is not yet known how long either road is expected to remain closed, but it could be a number of hours before they are cleared and safe to open.

Contractors are currently onsite clearing the area, but due to the instability of the surrounding environment and continued wet weather, there may be further incidents of slips, debris and fallen trees.

Waka Kotahi is monitoring the situation closely and will open the roads when they are clear and safe for motorists.

Updates will be posted on the Waka Kotahi Facebook, Twitter and Journey Planner pages.

Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with:

·         COVID-19 services update: nzta.govt.nz/COVID19

·         Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/wellington

Facebook: facebook.com/NZTAWgtn

Twitter: twitter.com/WakaKotahiWgtn

Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/wellington

Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)