SH1 is closed over the Brynderwyn Hills due to overnight landslides

A deluge of heavy rain in Northland overnight has caused several “small” landslides to close State Highway 1 over the Brynderwyn Hills.

The New Zealand Transport Agency said the highway was “fully closed” in both directions due to a landslide covering lanes, and it had no timeline for reopening the road.

“There was a small landslip at Brynderwyn Hills overnight and stop and go control was put in place while it was quickly cleared,” a spokesman said.

“At around 10.30am another accident occurred at a different location and this affected both lanes.”

In an update at 1.30pm, NZTA said the road remained closed while contractors worked to clear the access road.

“We understand that motorists are anxious to plan their journeys now that the school holidays end this weekend,” the agency said.

“We have been advised by our council partners that Paparoa Oakley Road is not suitable for freight at this time due to significant underground slippage on the road,” the agency said.

In the meantime, lighter vehicles are advised to use Cove Road, while heavy vehicles are asked to detour via SH12 and SH14.

“We will continue to monitor all routes and provide frequent updates. Our top priority is keeping people safe, but we will work as quickly as we can to provide updates and get the route clear.”

NZTA said a “more substantial update” would be issued at around 3pm today, while updates on road conditions can be found online.

The closure comes after SH1 Brynderwyns officially reopened last month following an 18-month hiatus.

Two new accidents in April delayed the reopening originally scheduled for May 13 and increased the cost of the project to $84 million.

NZTA Northland reclamation project manager Mark Ware said more than 900 people had been working on site day and night, “in all kinds of conditions”, to open the road.