Waka Kotahi crews are beginning the task of repairing damaged roads across the country after working throughout the weekend to clear slips and re-open key state highway routes as soon as possible.

Waka Kotahi's National Emergency Response Team leader Mark Owen says many road surfaces have been damaged by extensive rainfall, and drivers should slow down and take extra care as they are likely to encounter surface water, fallen branches and other residual debris as rain and strong winds continue to affect many parts of the country.

'Our crews will also be out in force getting stuck in to repair work to ensure highways remain safe – please comply with any temporary speed restrictions and other traffic management measures at our worksites,” says Mark.

'These restrictions are in place to keep workers and road users safe.

'Driving conditions will remain hazardous in many areas for some time, with the risk of surface flooding, slips, tree branches or even power lines down on the road. The high winds from this weekend have wreaked havoc with utilities, and road lighting is likely to be non-operational on some parts of the state highway network for several hours.

'Please slow down and take extra care if you need to drive tonight or tomorrow.”

Some roads remain closed, and lane closures or other restrictions are in place for many others. A full list of current state highway road closures and warnings can be found here.

Updates will continue to be provided as the situation unfolds on the Waka Kotahi Twitter account.

Information on weather warnings and watches is available from Metservice here.

Keep up to date with:

• COVID-19 services update: nzta.govt.nz/COVID19
• Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic
• Facebook: facebook.com/TransportAgency
• Twitter: twitter.com/WakaKotahi_news
• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)

Contractors clearing fallen trees from State Highway 2. Photo: John Borren.