Magnitude 7.5 quake would block 80% of Wellington outbound roads - study
A new simulation study indicates that a 7.5 magnitude earthquake on the Wellington Fault would severely disrupt the region's road network, leaving a vast majority of outbound routes inaccessible for months. The findings emphasize the need for proactive infrastructure investment to improve resilience.
Why it matters
Urban planning and disaster preparedness are essential for mitigating the catastrophic economic and social impacts of natural disasters in seismic zones.
<p>A study simulating what would happen to Wellington's road network in a major earthquake has found some parts would be cut off for months.</p> <p>The simulation assessed the disruption that would be caused by a 7.5 magnitude quake on the Wellington Fault.</p> <p>The researchers referenced a 2011 study that estimated a 10% chance such an earthquake would strike in the next 100 years.</p> <p>They simulated traffic using parameters like driver reaction time and jam density then applied it to a map of the North Island based on a previous study assessing the infrastructure damage caused by such an earthquake.</p> <p>On the map, several key roads had been closed including multiple stretches of State Highway 1, Hutt Rd, Grant Rd, Curtis St and Chaytor St.</p> <p>In the immediate three-day aftermath, the researchers found 68% of trips into the Wellington region and 82% of trips out of Wellington would be infeasible.</p> <p>After…
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