TRAFFIC BULLETIN

8 September 2016 | CENTRAL REGION

Rimutaka Hill Road update as of 4pm – road open

The NZ Transport Agency is advising motorists that State Highway 2 Rimutaka Hill Road is currently open, but that as weather conditions are changing rapidly, the road may need to be closed again tonight.

“The MetService has advised us to expect further snow flurries through the rest of the day up to midnight. This may lead to the road being closed again. Conditions are changing rapidly so please check before you travel. We’ll keep our website and social media channels updated, and electronic signs on both sides of the Rimutaka Hill Road will let motorists know of the current road status,” Mark Owen Regional Performance Manager, NZ Transport Agency says.

“While the road is currently open, people travelling between Wellington and Wairarapa on the Rimutaka Hill Road should make contingency plans, which could include delaying travel, or taking the train. There is a detour route available, but at three hours, it adds considerably to journey time,” Mr Owen says.

“We are reminding motorists to continue to take extra care as cold weather may continue to contribute to challenging driving conditions for the next couple of days. Drivers should reduce their speed and increase their following distances between vehicles.”

Motorists can get real time information from:

· 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)

· www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic

· www.facebook.com/NZTAwgtn

· www.twitter.com/NZTAwgtn

For information about the MetService severe weather watch visit www.metservice.com/warnings/severe-weather-watch

The Transport Agency’s Winter Journeys website www.nzta.govt.nz/winter-journeys brings together tips on winter driving and links to get updates on the latest weather and road conditions.

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