Swell warning
MetService has issued a heavy swell warning for Wairarapa coastal regions from 9pm today until 9pm tomorrow. The warning covers the area from Turakirae Head to Mataikona. Southerly combined waves of six metres are forecast for early evening, rising to seven metres overnight and then easing to five metres tomorrow evening. Heavy swells can damage coastal roads and cause debris and surface flooding.
Annual plan consult
Masterton District Council votes today on whether it will adopt the 2023-24 Annual Plan Consultation Document and 2023/24 Schedule of Fees and Charges. This will enable the council to consult on the 2023-24 Annual Plan prior to finalising it. The proposed budget in the plan would result in an average rates increase of 7.9 per cent. The consultation document also includes a ‘future-focused’ section that will enable the council to seek feedback to inform the development of the 2024-34 Long-Term Plan. This section includes an opportunity to provide feedback on the civic facility project. – NZLDR
Cars in the ditch
Two drivers have escaped injury after separate crashes in Masterton that left their vehicles in roadside ditches. Emergency services responded to the first single-vehicle crash on Te Ore Ore Rd yesterday at 10.30am. Police said the vehicle was able to extricate itself from the ditch unassisted. However, a tow truck was required to remove the second crashed vehicle, which was seen in a ditch on Ngaumutawa Rd shortly before 3pm. Police said no injuries were reported in either incident.
Colombo Rd bridge update
Masterton District Council [MDC] has advised that the new southbound lane of the Colombo Rd bridge will be temporarily open for traffic in single lane use tonight [Wednesday, March 29]. The change will be in place from 7pm to allow for roadworks on the existing northbound lane. Pedestrian access will also be available temporarily on the new bridge, with the work expected to take about 10 days [weather dependent], after which the northbound lane will again be the single lane in use. The council said temporary traffic lights will remain in place until the bridge is fully reopened – expected later next month.
