A slip on State Highway 1 on the Brynderwyn Hills on Sunday. Photo / NZTA
Roads in Northland have been affected by Cyclone Vaianu’s heavy rains and gale-force winds.
The New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) said the severe weather has impacted state highways, with crews responding to various issues such as fallen trees, damaged streetlights on the road, debris, flooding and minor slips.
NZTA said State Highway 1 on the Brynderwyn Hills is open but under stop/go traffic management because of various small slips encroaching into the southbound lane.
“Crews are on site clearing what they can, but some work will need to wait until the conditions improve,” a spokeswoman said.
The slips are near Artillery Rd and near the SH12 intersection.
SH1 in Mata is open but the NZTA urged drivers to take care because of surface flooding between Salmon Rd and Flyger Rd.
The Mangamuka Gorge reopened at 9am.
Whangārei District Council has published an interactive map that shows known roading issues, possible detours, and is updated every 15 minutes.
As of 2pm, the roads impacted are:
Closed
Single lane
4WD access only
The Pipiwai | Kaikou Civil Defence team has reported flooding on some roads, such as Jonsey Corner which is nearly under water and Moore’s Rd which is already under with surface flooding in multiple areas.
Far North Mayor Moko Tepania said no local roads had been impacted by Cyclone Vaianu, however, some were damaged from another recent storm, along with 99 local roads from March 25 and 26 weather events.
“So there’s a lot of recovery work which needs to go on but from Cyclone Vaianu, not anything major.”
A slip on Rawene’s Parnell St appears to have burst a water main, according to Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board chairwoman, Jessie McVeagh.
The slip occurred in previous flooding but appears to have got worse overnight, and some Hokianga residents have reported a drop in water pressure this morning.
McVeagh put cones on the slip this morning and has ensured Far North District Council knows the situation is urgent.
No other impacted roads had been reported by the council as of 10am.
At 1pm today, Kaipara District Council said several roads had been impacted by flooding.
“Please do not drive through floodwaters,” a council spokesperson said.
“There is still the potential for impacts later on, so please keep this in mind when making plans.”
Anyone who comes across flooding, trees down or obstructions should call 0800 727 059.
More to come.