UPDATE 29 November:

Inspections of a rockfall site on State Highway 59 are now complete and the route is expected to reopen to northbound traffic at midday today.

Abseilers and geotechnical experts have assessed the site, and cleared rock and debris, to ensure the highway  is safe for traffic.

NZTA/Waka Kotahi and the Wellington Transport Alliance  thank road users for their patience and cooperation while this work has been underway.

SH1 Transmission Gully

Drivers are also reminded that the southbound closure of State Highway 1 Transmission Gully for drainage and road repairs continues this weekend.

Peak congestion today for southbound traffic is expected between 4 and 6 pm this afternoon. Drivers travelling to Wellington from the Kāpiti Coast must be prepared for delays.

Drivers are asked to respect all road closures and traffic management in place. These measures are there to promote the most efficient traffic flow and to keep the public and road crews safe.

Road users are urged to be patient, drive to the conditions, watch their following distances, merge safely, and to follow all temporary speed limits. 

It also pays to check road conditions before you travel. Updates can be found on the NZTA/Waka Kotahi website and its social media channels.

28 November:

Drivers heading north out of Wellington are asked to stay on State Highway 1 and  avoid State Highway 59  tonight and tomorrow.

Geotechnical experts are to investigate the site of a rockfall  that affected the highway this morning to check for the risk of further instability and debris falls. The rock fall occurred  between Pukerua bay and Paekākariki, just south of  the Fisherman’s Table restaurant. 

This work will be done later this evening once southbound traffic flows ease. They are currently peaking because of the southbound closure of State Highway 1 Transmission Gully for drainage work and repairs.

It will require stop/go traffic management to be in place to allow southbound traffic to be diverted into the seaward lane (northbound lane) and away from the rockfall site.

Southbound traffic will have priority because of the Transmission Gully closure. This is why northbound drivers are asked to avoid using State Highway 59 and remain on State Highway 1 this evening.

Tomorrow morning, from 6 am, State Highway 59 will be closed to northbound traffic from Plimmerton to Fisherman’s Table  while further work is conducted at the rockfall site. 

Access through the State Highway 59 closure points will be for residents, local businesses, and emergency services only. All other northbound traffic must use State Highway 1 Transmission Gully.

With the ongoing works and a southbound closure of State Highway 1 Transmission Gully this weekend, it is critical drivers follow recommended routes, obey all traffic management, and follow all instructions for  road crews. They are there to keep the public safe.

A further update on the rockfall site, and its impact on traffic on State Highway 59, will be provided early tomorrow afternoon.