Wild weather has wreaked havoc near the Kāpiti Coast town of Paekākāriki after flooding and debris sparked a large slip and derailed a passenger train on Tuesday morning.
Motorists have been warned to expect significant delays on State Highway 1 after the slip blocked a southbound lane, causing significant congestion for commuters.
The Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) says long delays on SH1 Wellington can be expected for "several more hours" as contractors work to clear the debris.
In a statement shortly after 10am, regional maintenance and operations manager, Mark Owen, confirmed the southbound lane remains blocked and queues are backed up in both directions.
"We expect delays will take some time to ease so we're encouraging people to avoid travel, if possible. For people who do need to travel, they may like to consider using Paekākāriki Hill Rd, however this road can be more challenging to drive and has been impacted by slips and debris, so we're asking motorists to take extra care," Owen said.
"Our focus for today is to get the slip cleared and get the road fully open to traffic as quickly and safely as we can. A digger is on-site to clear the slip and loose material off the road, which may take several hours."
Crews have been on-site to manage traffic, allowing southbound motorists stuck within the cordon to pass through.
"As northbound traffic was temporarily stopped to allow for these vehicles to get past, there are also delays for motorists heading north," Owen explained.
"We're advising motorists to take extra care, drive to the conditions and stay alert for debris on the roads throughout the greater Wellington region today. Weather conditions are challenging, with strong winds and rain forecast for much of the day."
A train was derailed by the slip earlier on Tuesday, he continued, and a crane may be required to free the train, which could impact traffic. It's expected that all trains between Porirua and Waikanae on the Kāpiti Line will be suspended for the remainder of the day.
Contractors will remain out on the network throughout Tuesday to clear any debris and blocked culverts as quickly as possible.
In an update at 10:30am, Metlink confirmed that due to the slip on the tracks between Pukerua Bay and Paekākāriki, Kāpiti Line services are being replaced by buses between Plimmerton and Waikanae. Trains are running as normal between Wellington and Plimmerton.
"Train services are operating between Wellington and Plimmerton, bus replacements are in operation between Plimmerton and Waikanae, however, these will be severely delayed due to traffic congestion and weather conditions," Metlink says.
"NZTA inform SH1 has opened along Centenntial Highway but still severe delays expected. Please delay travel where possible."
Earlier this morning, a police spokesperson urged motorists to travel with care after the southbound lane of SH1 was blocked by a large slip, leading to mounting traffic throughout the Paekākāriki area.
A derailed train further impacted commuters, with 92 passengers on-board forced to seek shelter at a nearby eatery while alternative transport was arranged.
None of the passengers were injured in the derailment.
The owner of the local eatery, the Fisherman's Table, told Newshub he was asked to provide shelter for the affected passengers, but noted that all appeared relaxed and in good spirits as they awaited the arrival of their buses.
Trains were suspended between Paekākāriki and Pukerua Bay following the derailment as Metlink searched for replacement buses.
Shortly after 7am, a Metlink spokesperson confirmed to Newshub the train service between Plimmerton and Wellington had been restored, but major issues were still plaguing the railways further north.
The Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) asked truck drivers to park up and wait for contractors to clear the slip on SH1.
Motorists who had not yet attempted to travel south via SH1 or Paekākāriki were asked to delay their travel.
"The southbound lane just south of Paekākāriki Hill Rd is now closed due to the slip. Light traffic is being detoured via Paekākāriki Hill Rd. Follow the detour and expect long delays," the NZTA said.
"Trucks are advised to park up and wait for the closure to be lifted.
"Northbound remains open for all traffic. Expect delays."
