UPDATE 3:10 pm:

State Highway 58 has reopened following a crash this afternoon. Ongoing delays can be expected until queued traffic clears and drivers should use caution on this route,

Meanwhile, emergency services and contractors also had to attend a crash on the State Highway 1 Urban Motorway, which was reported at around 2:15 pm

It affected the motorway’s southbound lanes, south of the Ngauranga interchange – the crash was cleared at around 3 pm.

Drivers are warned to expect some delays until traffic congestion for southbound traffic has eased

Wet weather travel advice

Road users travelling on highways in Horowhenua, Kapiti Coast and Wellington are urged to take extra care on the roads with bad weather affecting the lower North Island.

The MetService has issued a Heavy Rain Watch for the regions. A Heavy Rain Warning is also in place for the Tararua Ranges. These warnings apply until early Saturday morning.

Drivers can expect weather-related hazards – localised flooding, slips, rockfalls, and slippery roads – and must drive to the conditions. 

The bad weather is expected to coincide with peak traffic periods and commuters are encouraged to drive accordingly. Drivers should increase their following distance, reduce speed, avoid sudden braking, and use their headlights if visibility is poor.

Driving in bad weather (external link)

2.05pm:

Drivers are asked to avoid State Highway 58 between Pāuatahanui and Paremata following a crash on the route this afternoon.

A single vehicle crash was reported near the James Cook Drive intersection around 1:30 pm.

The highway is now closed to traffic in both directions while emergency services attend the incident and the crash site is cleared.

Drivers are asked to delay their journeys, avoid the area, or use an alternative route until this incident is resolved. Ongoing travel disruption in the area can be expected.

This is the second crash in this area on State Highway 58 today. Drivers are urged to take extra care on the roads while bad weather continues.

Updates on the highway’s status can be checked online.

Highway conditions - Wellington (external link)