Work to clear the slip and debris from the road has been completed and the road is now open in both directions, however there is a temporary speed restriction in place for southbound traffic.

Regional Maintenance and Operations Manager Mark Owen is still encouraging motorists to expect delays and to factor extra time into their journeys.

“There has been a lot of disruption on the Wellington state highway network today due to this morning’s slip and train derailment, and we’d like to thank everyone for being so patient and understanding.

“While the road is now fully open to traffic in both directions, we are still advising motorists to expect some delays during this evening’s peak. Please take care and drive to the conditions so that everyone can get home safely.”

Waka Kotahi is again urging motorists not to use the Paekākāriki Hill Road as it is a more challenging route in difficult weather conditions, and vehicles coming off Paekākāriki Hill Road and onto State Highway 1 will worsen congestion and delays on the state highway.

Contractors are scheduled to return to the State Highway 1 slip site at 9pm tonight to clear culverts that were not able to be cleared before the road was opened to traffic. Stop/go traffic management will likely be in place while this work is underway.

Waka Kotahi will provide regular updates on Facebook, Twitter and the Journey Planner webpage.

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

• Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/wellington
• Facebook: facebook.com/nztawgtn
• Twitter: twitter.com/nztawgtn
• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/wellington
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)

The road is now partially open under stop/go traffic management past the slip site, however there will be delays as crews and machinery are still onsite clearing the slip and debris from the road.

Regional Maintenance and Operations Manager Mark Owen is advising motorists to avoid travel in the area, if possible.

“Due to current challenging conditions on Paekākāriki Hill Road, we are strongly advising motorists not to use this route. Ideally, motorists should avoid the area entirely, if at all possible.

“For people who do need to travel, State Highway 1 between Pukerua Bay and Paekākāriki is now partially open, but there will be delays getting past the slip site so people will need to factor extra time into their journey.

“The crew is working hard to get the road fully open to traffic before this afternoon’s peak, but even so, motorists may still experience delays in both directions as we expect there to be more vehicles on the road due to the train suspensions and people will be driving more carefully due to the weather.

“MetService is forecasting heavy patches of rain between now and tomorrow morning, as well as strong winds. Motorists will need to take extra care and drive to the conditions on roads throughout the region.

“We want everyone to get home safely this afternoon so it’s really important that people are mindful of the weather conditions, stay alert, keep speeds down and maintain a safe following distance.”

It is expected that all trains between Porirua and Waikanae on the Kāpiti line will be suspended for the remainder of the day. For more information on the train service, please contact Metlink.

Waka Kotahi will provide regular updates on Facebook, Twitter and the Journey Planner webpage.

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

• Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/wellington
• Facebook: facebook.com/nztawgtn
• Twitter: twitter.com/nztawgtn
• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/wellington
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)

Regional Maintenance and Operations Manager Mark Owen says the southbound lane has been blocked and queues are backed up on State Highway 1 in both directions.

“We expect delays will take some time to ease so we’re encouraging people to avoid travel, if possible. For people who do need to travel, they may like to consider using Paekakariki Hill Road, however this road can be more challenging to drive and has been impacted by slips and debris, so we’re asking motorists to take extra care.

“Crews have been onsite operating stop/go traffic management past the slip site to allow southbound traffic stuck within the cordon to get through.

“As northbound traffic was temporarily stopped to allow for these vehicles to get past, there are also delays for motorists heading north.

“Our focus for today is to get the slip cleared and get the road fully open to traffic as quickly and safely as we can. A digger is onsite to clear the slip and loose material off the road, which may take several hours.

“We’re advising motorists to take extra care, drive to the conditions and stay alert for debris on the roads throughout the greater Wellington region today. Weather conditions are challenging, with strong winds and rain forecast for much of the day.

“We will be keeping a close eye on the situation and contractors will be out on the network, clearing any debris and blocked culverts as quickly as possible,” Mr Owen says.

A train was derailed by the slip earlier today and a crane may be required to free the train which could impact traffic. It is expected that all trains between Porirua and Waikanae on the Kāpiti line will be suspended for the remainder of the day.

Waka Kotahi will provide regular updates on Facebook, Twitter and the Journey Planner webpage.

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

• Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/wellington
• Facebook: facebook.com/nztawgtn
• Twitter: twitter.com/nztawgtn
• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/wellington
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)