The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) says an end is in sight in about 2 weeks time to the traffic delays of 20 minutes or more at the Nevis Bluff on State Highway 6 about midway between Cromwell and Queenstown.
The delays are caused by $1.1 million dollars worth of rock stabilising, as part of NZTA’s on-going Nevis Bluff management programme to improve road user safety. The work is scheduled for completion by 31 May 2013.
NZTA Central Otago Area Manager John Jarvis says ending these delays for road users earlier than planned does require our contractors to work the next two Saturdays, 6th April and 13th April with 20 minute rolling delays between 8:00am and 5:00pm. Most of the blasting at the site is expected to be wrapped-up in a few days time. This will allow the rock bolting part of the stabilisation works to commence and continue through until the end of May
“Once the blasting is complete next week work will start on erecting a 40 metre long temporary rock catch fence about 50 metres above the road and directly below the site where our contractors are working. This barrier offers a level of protection for road users that allows us to safely manage the road with shorter and less frequent delays, while rock bolting work is carried out at the site.”
Mr Jarvis says in the meantime, traffic delays of up to 20 minutes can be expected between 8:00am and 5:00pm from Monday to Saturday, for about 2 more weeks.
There will be road openings on the hour every hour over this period so motorists can plan their travel to connect with a road opening.
The latest information about traffic delays at this site will be available at www.highwayinfo.govt,nz(external link) or by phoning 0800 444449.
