New road layout on Eastern Hutt Road after slips close lanes

Both southbound lanes on Eastern Hutt Road in Lower Hutt remain closed while a new temporary road layout will be in place starting Monday, after slips from severe weather.

Two large landslips on Eastern Hutt Road last week closed the two southbound lanes, and one northbound lane has been converted for southbound traffic.

Starting on Monday morning, a new layout will be in place between the roundabout at the Eastern Hutt Road and High Street intersection and the Stokes Valley roundabout, while temporary speed limits will also be applied.

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The Hutt City Council said while the slips were cleared up on Friday, there was still an ongoing risk of further slips as more rain is predicted this week.

While the new layout could ease traffic delays in the area, it warned travel times would not return to normal and the arrangement could last for the next few months.

The council also said electronic signboards would be in place at every approach to Eastern Hutt Rd to remind motorists of the new layout, while those travelling further north of Stokes Valley should use State Highway 2 instead of Eastern Hutt Road.

Its Chief Executive Jo Miller said a permanent solution would be some time away because of the nature of the slips.

“We will know more once the geotechnical report is received and considered,” she said.