Civil Defence - situation overview - 20/07/2006

Persistent rain is causing more problems in the Wanganui District, with further land slips and concerns about roads and possible high winds.

Motorists are asked to drive with extreme caution, particularly on roads which have recently been open to 4WD vehicles only. It is likely that some roads may be closed again if the wet weather continues. Areas of particular concern are Whanganui River Road and Kauarapaoa Road which are likely to be affected by more slips.

Roading contractors have attempted to strategically place equipment around the roading network in case of major slips.

Te Rimu Road was closed today to allow heavy machinery to be moved to the Ngaturi Bridge site at Mangamahu. However, due to the weather and further slips, progress was extremely slow and the road will be closed on Friday.

Civil Defence personnel are monitoring river levels. There is concern about predicted gale force winds which may uproot trees on land which is already unstable because of the rain.

Roads

Closed
Whanganui River Road
Matatara Road
Kauarapaoa Road (closed between Wright's bridge and north of Newing's property)
Watershed Road (closed beyond Turner's steel gate)
Kaikokopu Road
Tokomaru East Road – closed to heavy vehicles only
Tokomaru West Road – closed to heavy vehicles only

The following roads are open but care is required
Rangitatau East Road
Makirikiri Valley Road
Te Rimu Road (locals only)
Papaiti Road (unsealed section)

Earth moving plant has been working on the following roads today
Whanganui River Road
Papaiti Road
Kauarapaoa Road
Kaukatea Valley Road
Fields Track
Junction Road
Te Rimu Road
McIntoshs Road
Watershed Road
Parihauhau Road
Longacre Road
Whangaehu Valley Road
Kauangaroa Road (Reid's Hill)
Tokomaru East Road
Pukerimu Road