MEDIA RELEASE

13 June 2018 | SOUTHERN REGION

Heavy rain causes flooding and closures on SH1 through Kaikōura and the inland access road

Heavy rain has caused flooding and minor slips closing State Highway 1 north and south of Kaikōura and the Inland Road (Route 70) from Mt Lyford to Peketa. For the first time in many months, the town had no road access overnight and into this afternoon.

SH1 north (Clarence to Mangamaunu) and south of Kaikōura and the Inland Road remain closed currently (12.30 pm).

• The inland road, Route 70, Mt Lyford to Peketa, will be updated at 2 pm.

• SH1 south of Kaikōura will be updated at 4 pm.

• The northern side of SH1 access into Kaikōura, ie south of Clarence to Mangamaunu, will not open today – next update noon Thursday (14 June).

Slip at Waipapa Bay, filling the overflow area, north of Mangamaunu:

NZ Transport Agency Network Operations Manager, Tresca Forrester, says crews are working hard to clear debris and restore access into Kaikōura via the Inland Road by mid afternoon.

“On the Inland Road, we have crews with diggers clearing the culvert at the flooded Whalesback diversion,’’ says Ms Forrester.

“South of Kaikōura, small slips and rockfalls need to be cleared in the Hundalee Hills, on SH1, and we will update this highway at 4 pm. (Check this link:http://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/regions/11 )

“In the north, a lot of debris has filled bunds with some of it spilling onto the road between Clarence and Mangamaunu. Crews are working with geotechnical teams to assess and determine when it will be safe to start clearing up. However, we will not open SH1 north, between Clarence and Mangamaunu, today. Next update will be midday tomorrow.

“North of Clarence, debris at Shingle Fan, Staces Culvert, has covered both lanes of the highway but we hope this will be cleared by early afternoon. The highway is open at this point.”

The seaward ranges have had up to 200mm of rain in some places in the past 24 hours and the MetService forecast is for a further rain today with conditions easing.

For travelling Christchurch to Picton, people need to use the Alternate Route via the Lewis Pass and St Arnaud and build in extra time.

How to stay up to date:

For travellers between Christchurch and Picton check real time information:http://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/kaikoura-earthquake-response/plan-your-journey/

Important information is also shared via the Transport Agency’s official Twitter andFacebook accounts listed here: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/contact-us/connect-with-us/

Drivers can also call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) to speak to the call centre team for traffic and travel information.

Check the MetService: http://www.metservice.com/warnings/severe-weather-warnings for the latest severe weather warning and watches.

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