Media release #40 Wanganui District weather event - 4.00pm 3 July 2015
Published on 03 July 2015
Slips and debris
Portal Street: From 7.30am on Saturday, July 4, a large crane will be working on the slip on the section of Portal Street between Anzac Parade and Forres Street.
The public is requested to avoid the area if possible. This section of Portal Street will be one lane only and traffic management measures will be in place.
While the crane is lifting, traffic will be temporarily stopped for short periods so motorists should expect delays. This will occur throughout the morning.
The walkway from Anzac Parade up Durie Hill will be open. The Durie Hill elevator and steps will also be open.
Other areas: Short-term closures of roads may be required at times while slips and debris are removed.
Road closures
Our roading crews will be on the job over the weekend unless conditions become too dangerous if there is significant rainfall.
The roads remain extremely dangerous and slips are continuing to come down. Any rain or wind is affecting the work that has already been done. There are also underslips which may not be apparent. We urge residents to use the roads only if it is absolutely essential and to drive with extreme caution.
Many roads are only suitable for emergency services and residents with good 4WD experience. This is for safety reasons and to ensure roading contractors’ progress is not interrupted. If there is any significant rain in the next few days, some of these roads will be closed for safety reasons.
We request the general public to keep off the rural roads and refrain from sightseeing. Please do not move road signs or barricades. If there is a road closed sign in place, it means there is no access to that road. Please note that members of the public travelling on closed roads may not be covered by insurance.
Rural
- State Highway 4 – from Kaiwhaiki Road to Raetihi
- No 3 Line, from the urban boundary to Kaimatira Road
- Whanganui River Road – Matahiwi to Pipiriki
- Ahu Ahu Valley Road (90% open)
- Watershed Road (90% open)
- Creek Road (three-quarters open)
- Bruce Road (half open)
- Languard Bluff Road
Urban
- All urban roads are open.
Contact information
Key agencies involved in the response are working to keep their online resources, such as websites and Facebook pages, as current as possible. We encourage people to ‘bookmark’ these sites for information on this and future events.
Wanganui District Council
www.wanganui.govt.nz
www.facebook.com/wanganuidistrictcouncil
www.facebook.com/yourmayorannettemain
Civil Defence Emergency Management Facebook Pages
www.facebook.com/civildefencemanawatuwanganui
www.facebook.com/nzgetthru
NZTA – Highway Information
www.nzta.govt.nz or 0800 4 HIGHWAYS
Roading authorities are urging road users to take extra care when driving through the Manawatu-Wanganui region. Users are reminded that road conditions in an emergency are inconsistent and to check on-line resources for highway or roadway information before travelling.
Horizons Regional Council – River Levels
www.horizons.govt.nz/choose-river-rainfall-chart