The New Zealand Transport Agency, Christchurch City Council, Fulton Hogan, Jacobs and Aurecon form the alliance which hopes to have the 16-months Waimakariri Bridges widening job completed by the end of this year. Residents should try and keep their water use to a minimum. Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency says the persistent rainfall has closed several state highways. Motorists were advised not to drive through flood waters, due to possible debris and road hole and potential contamination. The Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management Group has declared a state of local emergency in Canterbury, extending emergency powers across the entire region, as heavy rain continues to cause flooding. Residents living in the following streets are affected: When these roads reopen, please put your bins out again and our contractor will return to empty them. "We want to give police the powers to force evacuation because we have some people not wanting to move on from specific areas. We would expect to see surface flooding to continue in areas where this is already happening. Restrictions are in place on a several other roads in the district and motorists are urged to stay off the roads if they dont need to travel. A local Civil Defence emergency was also declared by Selwyn District Council at 2pm. The state of emergency for the Ashburton District has been declared for seven days. SH79 Fairlie to Geraldine, and back to Rangitata, is closed due to flooding across the highway and at key culverts/bridges. Several roads and state highways across Canterbury are closed as widespread flooding and wild weather lash the region. Photo: Newsline. Electric vehicle charging stations. Officials have been meeting this morning in response to the flooding disaster that has hit Canterbury since the weekend due to heavy rainfall. The Waimakariri Gorge Bridge is, as the crow flies, located 46 kilometres (29 mi) downstream from the Mount White bridge. Mount Thomas Rd/Oxford Rd/Swannanoa Rd intersection. Lewis Pass via Waipara, State Highway 7, remained open, linking Canterbury and the West Coast. The Waimakariri Gorge is a spectacular fishing venue that offers top class salmon and trout fishing with the best months being from late February to late April. Lowerdowns Rd, between Mayfield Klondyke and Blairs roads. Acting Minister for Emergency Management Kris Faafoi addressed media in Ashburton on Sunday afternoon, saying heavy rain was expected to continue overnight and into Monday. News and Events. Marine Parade, between Fleming Street and Leaver Terrace, is closed due to flooding. On about Wednesday 1 March, workers will start work on the south . Early on Sunday afternoon around 70 residents of Selwyn Huts were asked to "evacuate now" as the rising Selwyn River was expected to cut off access to the settlement. If anyone living close to a river or waterway is feeling at all unsafe, they should self-evacuate. the macdonald bridge. Forth Road Bridge A90. Waimakariri Gorge: This gauge is located on the Gorge Bridge and measures the height of the river. This closure may be extended back to Windwhistle soon. Arundel Rakaia Gorge Rd (Route 72), between Forks Rd and Pudding Hill Rd. Christchurch City Council road maintenance contractors will be at the site from Thursday now that the specialised hardwood timber needed to meet safety standards has arrived. Photo: 2021 Getty Images. The stormwater storage basins in the Upper Heathcote catchment worked as intended over the past couple of days. It is expected that the bridge will be reopened by the end of the week, once the water level subsides and the structure can be checked. Eight households near Kairaki Beach are also being evacuated. The SVA will be sharing updates on social media as well. If you come across a pothole, the best way to report it is through using our Snap Send Solve app. Traffic on State Highway 1 will also be slow just north of and over the bridge where traffic merges. Blackford Rd and Double Hill Run Rd, from SH77. The heavy rain has affected the streams that we rely on for the water supply in Duvauchelle. During the contraflow, there will be a 60 km/h speed limit in place on the bridge. The Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management Group is lifting the state of emergency for the region except for the Ashburton, Selwyn and Waimakariri districts, where it will be extended for seven days. Continue to check on neighbours and vulnerable people near where you live as long as the disruption caused by the weather lasts. Follow latest updates here: Help us create a sustainable future for independent local journalism Motorists travelling northbound towards Kaiapoi will be able to use the bridge. In the last 24 hours, the Ashburton high country had experienced heavy rain which was making its way down through the river systems, Brown said. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Two right lanes of southbound Interstate 295 on the Buckman Bridge reopened after they were closed during peak traffic hours Monday due to an abrasion, the Florida . River Road, between Banks Avenue and North Avon Road. Evacuating residents were asked to secure their homes, turn off power, water and gas, and take enough medicines and personal items for two to three nights. Road resurfacing on the Waimakariri Bridge's southbound lanes will start on the afternoon of Saturday 29 August requiring the closure of the Tram Road on-ramp during the morning peak hours on working days, says Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency. There is major surface flooding around Thompson's Track in Ashburton, where a farmer had to be rescued. Methven Chertsey Rd, between Lyndhurst Road and Line Rd. The Canterbury District Health Board has provided the following advice for those in flood-affected areas. This is our last update for today, Monday 31 May, unless the situation changes significantly overnight. There are no contamination issues with the drinking water and boiling is not currently required. SH77 Methven to Windwhistle and Darfield - the inland scenic route closed due to flooding several places. Ensuring the Macdonald and MacKay bridges remain safe for the traveling public requires significant investment and ongoing capital projects. Road Closed: Road Closure - 901 Pigeon Bay Road Updated 27 hours ago View traffic update details Caution: Scheduled Road Work - SH 74 Christchurch, at the Innes Updated 28 hours ago View traffic update details Vehicle Restrictions: Scheduled Road Work - Amberley footbridge Updated 29 hours ago View traffic update details SH1 Dunsandel: Waka Kotahi is closely monitoring the Selwyn River/ Waikirikiri where it crosses SH1 at Dunsandel so please keep an eye on the highways page for changes. If you have to be on the roads today, please heed the road closure signs. Those pushing that view need their heads read, argues Cindy Baxter. The closure, which is expected to end in December 2023, is required for a $34.4 million bridge rehabilitation project. Richardson Terrace, from Opawa Road to Mackenzie Avenue. Two more roads have been closed due to flooding. To be held on Saturday 21 March 2015. Ashburton Gorge Rd, from Stour River Bridge to Hakatere Potts Rd. State Highway 73 linking the West Coast and Canterbury between Springfield/Porter's Pass and Castle Hill is closed due to slips and surface flooding. The flooding we have seen in other areas of the city has been caused by leaves blocking grates. One hundred and thirty-three people were evacuated there. Latest News and Media Releases show sub menu. Fitzgerald Avenue, between Tuam and Lichfield Streets, has been reduced to one lane because of a sinkhole. We suggest that people stay at home and wait the weather out, avoid rivers and only travel if essential,'' says ECan rivers manager Leigh Griffiths. Waimakariri Civil Defence is urging residents to take extreme care on the roads tonight and tomorrow morning. SH77, the inland route Darfield to the Rakaia Gorge slips and flooding. 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Brown said if residents were feeling unsafe in their homes they should call 111 or leave if it's safe to do so. SH 1 WAIMAKARIRI BRIDGE, CANTERBURY - ROAD HAZARD - 1:45 PM UPDATE A closure has been put in place on the Ohoka Rd off-ramp. "We know this work is disruptive and we're working with our contractors to ensure it is done as quickly as possible.". Thompsons Track, From Ashburton Staveley Rd to Mayfield Valetta Rd. Acting Minister for Emergency Management Kris Faafoi says while authorities were keeping an eye on multiple rivers in the area, the Ashburton River is the main concern and 3000 homes are at risk. Those in the low lying areas of Pines Beach, particularly around Dunns Ave were told toleave their homes now. NZTA warned people to . There was still "quiet a bit of capacity" in the river. Were working closely with Civil Defence and the MetService to monitor the situation and will be posting rainfall and riverflow updates on our website as the situation develops. Footer. With flooding easing across the city, roads that were closed are gradually being re-opened. We are currently having some issues with the waste water system in St Heliers Crescent in Aranui, and on the following streets in Shirley: The Council currently has sucker trucks out in Shirley to help with the situation, but for the next 24 hours residents in the area are asked to avoid doing washing, and to flush toilets only when absolutely necessary. The Council has a number of policies relating to roads, streets and footpaths. The height of the Waimak gorge bridge is 30m. SEND US YOUR VIDEOS AND PICTURES - PLEASE EMAIL US, Weekend weather: Canterbury bracing for rain deluge, rare red warning issued - NZ Herald. SH73 linking the West Coast and Canterbury between Springfield/ Porters Pass and Castle Hill is closed due to a bridge approach washout and surface flooding. close beneath one is the harbour bar and winding estuary of the two small rivers, the Avon and Waimakariri . Another 100 people living near the Ashley River, near another risky stopbank, have also left their homes. For more information view River flow data or Rainfall data. 31 May - 4:07 pm Tonight's high tide High tide is between 9.15pm and 9.30pm this evening and is expected to be lower than previous tides. Heavy rain flooded the region yesterday, closing roads, sparking dramatic helicopter rescues and sending Civil Defence scrambling to set up emergency welfare shelters. Forecast restriction end: 1st of January 1970, 1:00am. The flooding in Akaroa has greatly receded after our contractors unblocked the major stormwater pipe. Numerous roads have been closed across Canterbury due to widespread flooding. Please exercise caution and drive to the conditions. View our traffic map for the latest available information on road closures and delays. They are responding to an outage in Diamond Harbour. Avoid contact with flood waters if you can and assume they will be contaminated by sewage. Cumnor Terrace, from Chapmans Road to Garlands Road. Powers Rd Closed closed by Waitohi Peaks Rd. Keep a close eye on the weather over the next few weeks. NZTA portfolio delivery manager Colin MacKay said the Tram Rd on-ramp will be closed between 5.30am and 9.30am on weekdays from Monday. SH77 has been closed at this point and a detour on local roads is in place. Image shows rainfall accumulation in mm since 1am Saturday in MetService and ECAN rain gauges. Also, try to avoid walking or biking through surface flooding as there is a chance it could be contaminated with wastewater. "From Thursday, contractors will be at the bridge removing and disposing of the broken posts, then installing the 10 new posts and rails," Guy said. This is significantly lower than the predictions and recordings over the last few days that were around 10.81 m RL. And, despite parts of the region being already drenched by up to 300mm of rain, MetService warned that more bad weather was on the way and the situation could get worse before it got better. Due to localised flooding, we havent been able to complete all of our kerbside collections today. This is on SH72, leading to Geraldine. "The rain is expected to cause dangerous river conditions and significant flooding.". Remember, always call 111 if you think your life or the lives of others are in danger. The closures are tentative. Skip to content. Bridge closed. Roads in Christchurch City that are closed due to flooding will remain closed at least until 9am tomorrow morning. Step Two All regions. The work should take about a week to complete but will mostly take place near the riverbed, meaning it will be dependent on weather and river conditions. Our crews are working to ensure our stormwater network is working effectively as possible and are actively managing the outfalls at Sumner and Southshore to minimise any flooding.. We will have another update in the morning once we have further information and have assessed the roads. Weather conditions are starting to improve, with the rain easing. There are currently ten state highway closures in place throughout Canterbury, Waka Kotahi said. Affected residents have been told stay away from the rivers and surrounding areas until further notice. The tidal prediction for Waimakariri is just that, a well educated guess based on years of observed data. If the signal is on the state highway, you can call ODOT at1 (888) 275-6368. This is causing traffic to back up to Lineside Rd on SH 1. The closure of the le-aux-Tourtes bridge has resulted in delays and detours in Montreal's West Island. Those in low-lying areas are being told to leave immediately, and go to higher grounds. SH73 Springfield to Castle Hill next update due by midday. Lower Styx Road, from Spencerville to Harbour Road. See how the rain has built up in Canterbury since Saturday. New Zealand Live Canterbury flooding updates: Bridges collapse, hundreds of homes evacuated 7:53 pm on 31 May 2021 Timaru District Council has sent out an emergency alert to residents in the Coopers Creek catchment north of the Orari River, telling them to evacuate immediately due to flooding. SH1 Temuka between Arowhenua Rd and Huirapa St, SH1 Hinds River Bridge between Delamaine St and Lynnford Rd, SH73 Springfield to Castle Hill - next update due by midday, SH1 Ashburton near Saunders Rd - flooding. Several roads and state highways across Canterbury are closed as widespread flooding and wild weather lash the region. Keep Reading A Day in Waimakariri With so much to explore in the Waimakariri District, why not make a day of it! Slips and floodwaters around Canterbury are likely to disrupt travel, making some roads impassable and possibly isolating communities. The worst of the flooding is around the recreation ground. Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management group controller Neville Reilly said officials were "just holding our breath overnight". SH1 Temuka, SH73 Springfield to Castle Hill & SH79 Fairlie to Rangitata remain CLOSED. Tolls, roads and rail. Rachel Sadler. Parts of Banks Peninsula have received close to 100mm. There is also suface flooding on SH1 Ashburton. Gordon said anyone who did not have to go out should not. As of Sunday afternoon, the Ashburton River remained a major concern, and Faafoi said the next 24 hours would be critical. Woolley Street, from Avondale Road to Waratah Street. About 20 people live in the isolated North Canterbury valley. We have contractors working to clear as many of these blockages as possible. The second Waimakariri Salmon Fishing Competition is run by the New Zealand Salmon Anglers Association Incorporated. River Road, from Banks Avenue to Medway Street. Any closures of schools and early learning services are a matter for each school board or service manager to decide on a case-by-case basis. People were earlierbeing told to evacuate immediately from an area of the Waimakariri district because a flood gate wasstuck open and there may be flooding. Hackthorne Rd, between Barford Rd and Lismore Mayfield Rd. "We need it to stop raining to let those rivers drop," Brown said. Elsewhere, a crash in Mngere blocked the left lane near the on-ramp to State Highway 20A. Fifty-two schools and kura and 24 early learning services in Canterbury have confirmed to the Ministry of Education that they will be closed today. Christchurch City Council road maintenance contractors will be at the site from Thursday now that the specialised hardwood timber needed to meet safety standards has arrived. As our journalists work to ask the hard questions about our recovery, we also look to you, our readers for support. Those people had stayed with friends of family, while others had hunkered down at Hakatere Marae. Leader Rd Rockfall signed up and will be cleared first thing Monday. SH77 from Darfield to Methven and Ashburton because there is flooding near Hawkins Bridge. "I think a lot of people will go, and a lot will stay, because it's their home," he said. Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon told Morning Report the Ashley and Kairaki rivers were still causing concern and residents should remain on alert. Okains Bay Road is down to one lane due to a slip. Stopbanks on the two flooded rivers were at risk of. My Journeys Journey Planner; Traffic and travel information . Newport Road from Emlyn Street to Wainoni Road. Do not refreeze high risk items such as meat, fish and poultry. The warning - which affects Canterbury south of Amberley - was initially due to lift at 11am today. Look back at what unfolded on Sunday with RNZ's live blog: Thousands of Cantabrians are on high alert tonight, as rain continues to fall on the waterlogged region. Officials have been meeting this morning in response to the flooding disaster that has hit Canterbury since the weekend due to heavy rainfall. The evacuation order affects 133 properties near the Eyre River and 102 along the Ashley River. Closure points are at Claytons Road (Fairlie end) and Earl Road (Geraldine end). Southern fire communications shift manager Simon Lyford said they had helped police with "a couple" of water rescues overnight, as well as helping police and Civil Defence teams with precautionary evacuations. Residents no Waimakariri mayor Dan Gordon told Newstalk ZB they are in the process of evacuating people from the affected areas. 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These sites contain flooding updates for Canterbury areas, including emergency notices, road closures, river flow, flooding warnings and places to get more information: Christchurch City Council flooding updates page Ashburton District Council flooding updates page Selwyn District Council flooding updates page Timaru District Council is posting updates to their main page The regional council for Christchurch: Environment Canterbury Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management page. Temuka River flooding levels near the Manse Bridge in South Canterbury. Fish lie very close to the bottom of the river and so it is necessary to get lures down deep and fish them along the bottom to entice a strike. "We would advise people to travel outside peak hours in September if they are able to do so or leave earlier than they normally would," MacKay says. We dont expect to see flooding in new areas overnight. Environment Canterbury recommends all residents to: To be updated as more information comes to hand. Every morning, get a snapshot of Newsrooms top 10 stories delivered to your inbox. Porters Pass, the State Highway 73 route between Canterbury and the West Coast needed to be checked for damage and will also remain closed. This bridge was completed in 1877 and originally served both road and rail traffic (of the Oxford Branch ). Keep up with the play with LockerRooms weekly newsletter dedicated to shining a light on NZ women in sport, curated by Suzanne McFadden. SH8 Fairlie to Tekapo via Burkes Pass, closed due to flooding. Chair of the Joint Committee, Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel, made the declaration at 4:45pm, extending the state of emergency across Canterbury, following local declarations of emergency in the Timaru, Ashburton and Selwyn districts. Environment Canterbury is monitoring rainfall and river flows across the region, with details available on its, Invoices being sent to Christchurch's highest water users, Consultation on Christchurch's new planning rules to be decided, Christchurch braced for wet weather and king tides, SH1 Ashburton, The Ashburton (Hakatere) River Bridge. SH73 Darfield to Castle Hill slips, flooding, bridge approaches washed out in three places, shingle coating the road for 100 metres and 1m thick between Lake Lyndon and Porter River. "The technology had changed over time along with design requirements," CNC manager James Harrison tells Contractor. SH1, south of Christchurch closed at the Selwyn River/Waikirikiri, Dunsandel. If anyone requires urgent assistance, they can call the Council Contact Centre on 941-8999. Halifax Bound light volumes. The 60km ultra race follows a similar route to the MTB race, starting from the Waimakariri Golf Course at the Waimakariri Gorge, just past the Waimakariri Gorge Bridge to Kaiapoi and finishing on Raven Quay in Kaiapoi. "Resurfacing work will start on the existing southbound lanes, affecting the morning flows, followed by the northbound lanes," MacKay said. Aynsley Terrace, from Centaurus Road to Opawa Road. RM WAR4GH - Die 9. READ MORE: * Canterbury floods: What you need to know about road closures * Canterbury floods: State of emergency in Ashburton and Timaru, thousands of homes at risk. Affected residents were told to stay away from the rivers and surrounding areas until further notice. Unfortunately weve had a couple of instances where the pumps have been deliberately stopped and the discharge pipes decoupled and dragged back into the streets. This particular one was close to a stopbank and we just need people to be really sensible in their decision making today.". The Old Waimakariri Bridge. The Hernando de Soto Bridge on Interstate 40 in Memphis, Tennessee, was shut down Tuesday and will be closed for emergency repairs, according to a news release from the Tennessee Department. Situated 40 minutes north of Christchurch, the Waimakariri District is the perfect playground for all things outdoor. Forrester said the changing situation meant it was best to avoid travel in Canterbury on Monday. The opening of the lake will not result in an immediate reduction in flood levels in Little River but it will ensure the situation does not get any worse. Photo: Getty Images. Winslow Rd, between Swamp Rd and Hinds Lismore Rd. Rather than call a drainlayer or plumber we suggest waiting for the floodwaters to recede as it is likely the problem will resolve itself. Many local roads are also under water, so your local councils Facebook pages and emergency management pages are the best places to check, she said. There is also a danger of injury from floating objects and hazards hidden below the surface. What follows is a list of projects taking place that will require full or lane closures for the summer and fall 2021. All guests booked in for sessions at the hot pools will be contacted by staff at He Puna Taimoana and will receive a credit to use the pools at an alternative time that suits them. If you have witnessed flooding and would like to share pictures or video with us, please email it to: iwitness@radionz.co.nz. All other bridges across the district will be inspected for potential damage. Evacuees can go to friends or family or to the Temuka Civil Defence Centre - Alpine Energy Stadium situated in the Temuka Domain or the Geraldine Civil Defence Centre situated at Geraldine High School. "The new timber is currently being cut to size to match the existing posts and replace the damaged railing on the bridge," said council's city streets maintenance manager Steve Guy. Again, locals were warned that such conditions could result in more roads being impassable and communities being isolated. "We encourage anyone who has the time and capacity to support the clean up efforts to join us - everyone is welcome to lend a helping hand.. Avonside Road, from Retreat Road to Woodham Road, has been closed due to severe flooding. Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon told Morning Report the Ashley and Kairaki rivers were still causing concern and residents should remain on alert. And as the Ashburton River rose to dangerous levels, officials warned that up to 4000 people and thousands of homes were at risk if it breached stopbanks. Horsley Terrace Rd the river is flowing through the paddock and flooding over the road. Avonside Drive, between Linwood Avenue and Fitzgerald Avenue. Faafoi added that the next 24 hours would be critical. All rights reserved. They are: New forecasts suggests the rain band over the Canterbury region is likely to continue to bring steady rain until about 7pm tonight, with showers then likely overnight. Due to the closure of State Highway 75 between Birdlings Flat and Barry's Bay and rising flood waters on the main road through Little River, the Little River Service Hub and Library is closed until further notice. Evacuees can go to friends or family or to the Temuka Civil Defence Centre - Alpine Energy Stadium situated in the Temuka Domain or the Geraldine Civil Defence Centre situated at Geraldine High School.