District:
State Highway 1 in Manurewa has re-opened, after being closed while emergency services attended to a serious crash at the Hill Road overbridge.
The single vehicle crash was reported to Police at around 3.40am.
One person was transported to Hospital in a serious condition.
Police thank motorists for their patience while emergency services and Serious Crash Unit attended.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
Waka Kotahi’s National Emergency Response Team leader Mark Owen says several highways have been closed due to slips and flooding, with major disruption unavoidable given the scale of the severe weather.
Journey Planner road closures update
“Our crews are working hard to clear slips and re-open roads as soon as possible, but heavy rain and severe winds are still affecting many areas, and we need flood waters to recede in some areas before damage can be assessed.
“Driving conditions are hazardous in many areas, with the risk of surface flooding, slips, falling tree branches or power lines coming down, and people should avoid all non-essential travel in these areas.”
Mr Owen says the Auckland Harbour Bridge remains closed, with high winds continuing to affect the area.
Wind is currently gusting in excess of 105km/h on the bridge, and is expected to increase before abating this afternoon.
Waka Kotahi is working closely with MetService to monitor wind speeds, and road crews are ready to re-open the bridge as soon as the high winds have passed and it is safe for traffic to use.
A full list of current state highway road closures and warnings can be found here.
Updates will also be provided as the situation unfolds on the Waka Kotahi Twitter account.
Information on weather warnings and watches is available from Metservice.
Crews are working to clear a slip which has closed SH1 between Kairkoura and Waipara. Waka Kotahi is aiming to re-open the road to a single lane by mid-afternoon.
SH67 from Hector to Mokihinui and the local road Route 67 to Karamea also remain closed following slips.
Waka Kotahi advises motorists to plan ahead by checking social media or our Journey Planner before heading out.
Updates will also be provided as the situation unfolds on the Waka Kotahi Twitter account.
Information on weather warnings and watches is available from Metservice.
With severe weather making driving hazardous and further road closures likely, Waka Kotahi is urging people to delay all non-essential travel in the region until further notice.
he severe weather is forecast to continue throughout the day.
Waka Kotahi advises motorists to plan ahead by checking social media or our Journey Planner before heading out.
Updates will also be provided as the situation unfolds on the Waka Kotahi Twitter account.
Information on weather warnings and watches is available from Metservice.
The bridge will remain closed until winds abate to levels safe for travel.
Waka Kotahi’s current bridge safety protocols require the closure of the bridge to traffic when sustained wind gusts of 90km/h or higher are affecting the bridge.
Waka Kotahi National Emergency Response Team leader Mark Owen says Waka Kotahi will continue to monitor conditions closely.
The Western Ring Route, on State Highways 16 and 18, remains open. However, with severe winds and heavy rain affecting the entire region, people are urged to delay all non-essential travel.
Waka Kotahi advises motorists to plan ahead by checking social media or our Journey Planner before heading out.
Updates will also be provided as the situation unfolds on the Waka Kotahi Twitter account.
Information on weather warnings and watches is available from Metservice.
Wind is currently gusting in excess of 105km/h on the bridge, and is expected to increase before abating this afternoon.
Waka Kotahi is working closely with MetService to monitor wind speeds, and road crews are ready to re-open the bridge as soon as the high winds have passed and it is safe for traffic to use.
Waka Kotahi advises motorists to plan ahead by checking social media or our Journey Planner before heading out.
Updates will also be provided as the situation unfolds on the Waka Kotahi Twitter account.
Information on weather warnings and watches is available from Metservice.
Metservice: Tropical Cyclone Bulletin
The latest predictions from Metservice show a strong likelihood of wind gusts in excess of 130km/h hitting the bridge between 10am and 4pm on Sunday as southerly gales batter the region.
Waka Kotahi’s current bridge safety protocols require the closure of the bridge to traffic when sustained wind gusts of 90km/h or higher are likely.
Waka Kotahi National Emergency Response Team leader Mark Owen says Waka Kotahi will continue to monitor conditions closely, with maintenance crews on standby to react immediately to close the bridge if wind gusts reach the predicted levels.
“Closing the Harbour Bridge is not a decision we take lightly at all, given the resulting disruption and inconvenience for Aucklanders, but we will not compromise on the safety of road users and we won’t hesitate to close the bridge if conditions are unsafe for it to be used. While a closure may be disruptive, based on the MetService wind predictions it will very likely be necessary.”
Mr Owen says if the bridge is closed, access for travellers through the city will be maintained with the availability of the Western Ring Route, on State Highways 16 and 18. However, Waka Kotahi recommends people limit their travel through this cyclonic weather as there are also likely be be delays on alternative routes, due the increased volume of traffic.
With high winds likely to affect roads throughout the region on Sunday, drivers of high sided vehicles and motorcyclists are encouraged to use extra caution on all roads, and to avoid using the Auckland Harbour Bridge entirely, until the wind subsides.
Auckland Transport also advises that the forecast high winds could cause delays or cancellations to public transport. The best way to keep up to date is to follow the AT Travel Alerts on Twitter @AT_travelalerts for any changes to services.
Waka Kotahi advises motorists to plan ahead by checking social media or our Journey Planner before heading out.
Updates will also be provided as the situation unfolds on the Waka Kotahi Twitter account.
Information on weather warnings and watches is available from Metservice.
Metservice has issued a wind warning for Auckland, with average wind speeds of 80km/h or higher, and the possibility of gusts of more than 130km/h from southerly gales likely to hit the region between 10am and 4pm Sunday.
Waka Kotahi’s National Emergency Response Team leader Mark Owen says the severe winds have the potential to force the closure of the Auckland Harbour Bridge for several hours on Sunday, potentially disrupting travel in and around the city.
“Waka Kotahi is actively monitoring the situation, with maintenance crews out on the network ready to react if wind gusts reach the predicted level. The safety of road users is our top priority and we won’t hesitate to close the bridge if necessary.
“With high winds likely to affect the region throughout the day on Sunday, drivers of high sided vehicles and motorcyclists are also encouraged to avoid the bridge and use the Western Ring on State Highways 16 and 18.”
Auckland Transport also advises that the forecast high winds could cause delays or cancellations to public transport. The best way to keep up to date is to follow the AT Travel Alerts on Twitter @AT_travelalerts for any changes to services.
Waka Kotahi advises motorists to plan ahead by checking social media or our Journey Planner before heading out.
Updates will also be provided as the situation unfolds on the Waka Kotahi Twitter account.
Information on weather warnings and watches is available from Metservice.
Metservice: Tropical Cyclone Bulletin
MetService is predicting that Cyclone Dovi is expected to bring severe weather to large parts of central and northern New Zealand, and Waka Kotahi is urging everyone to check the latest road conditions with Waka Kotahi’s on-line Journey Planner before heading out. Updates will also be provided as the situation unfolds on the Waka Kotahi Twitter account.
Metservice: weather warnings and watches
Waka Kotahi traffic updates on Twitter
Waka Kotahi’s National Emergency Response Team leader Mark Owen says some road closures and travel restrictions are unavoidable given the scale of the severe weather.
“Waka Kotahi is actively monitoring the situation, with maintenance crews out across the network ready to respond. Our contractors will work to re-open any closed roads as soon possible, but with heavy rain likely to bring slips down in many areas, this work will take some time to complete.
“We’re urging people to check the latest conditions and avoid travelling in affected areas if possible. Those who are on the roads should slow down and adjust their driving to the conditions to stay safe. With high winds likely to affect many roads on Sunday, drivers of high sided vehicles and motorcyclists are also encouraged to take extra care.”
Mr Owen says motorists in Auckland are being urged to prepare for potential disruption to the state highway network with a strong wind warning in place for Auckland from early Sunday morning.
Metservice has issued a wind warning for Auckland, with average wind speeds of 80km/h or higher, and the possibility of gusts of more than 130km/h from southerly gales likely to hit the region between 10am and 4pm Sunday.
Mr Owen says the severe winds have the potential to force the closure of the Auckland Harbour Bridge for several hours on Sunday, potentially disrupting travel in and around the city.
“We’re keeping a very close eye on the situation, with maintenance crews ready to react if wind gusts reach the predicted levels. The safety of road users is our top priority and we won’t hesitate to close the bridge if necessary.
“With high winds likely to affect the region throughout the day on Sunday, drivers of high sided vehicles and motorcyclists are also encouraged to avoid the bridge and use the Western Ring on State Highways 16 and 18.”
District:
On Sunday February 13 at about 03:37 a motor vehicle travelling along Hill Road, Manurewa, lost control while crossing over the SH1 over bridge. The vehicle crashed through the barriers and dropped onto the motorway below. The occupant of the vehicle became trapped and had to be cut free by emergency services. That person suffered status one injuries. The serious crash unit are in attendance and the motorway remains closed. More information will be available once the motorway is open.