If you're travelling north for the long weekend, expect delays of 40-60 minutes. Road workers have been busy fixing damage caused by last week’s weather event, and stop/go traffic controls remain in place across affected areas. NZTA advises motorists to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.
In Mayor Max's Q&A live-stream this morning, he said NZTA may have to close the Awakino Gorge again if there are adverse weather conditions this weekend. "I'm not trying to alarm anybody, but I just ask if you're heading north – keep an eye on the weather and make sure before you leave that the road is open."
NZTA's Journey Planner website provides the most up to date source for checking the status of roads. A state of emergency has been declared in Southland, and now Clutha due to strong wind and power outages. Another remains in place in Canterbury.
