State Highway 73, from Arthur’s Pass to Otira, has been closed by a massive slip and is expected to remain closed for two to three days.
The NZ Transport Agency’s Senior Network Manager Mark Pinner says a significant amount of rock and material has come down over a large section of the highway as a result of heavy rain in the area during the last 24 hours.
“As the rock and material are still falling onto the highway, our contractors are unable to get to the slip to begin clearing it.”
Mr Pinner says with the amount of material on the road, it is expected to take two to three days to clear the site.
“The alternative route for motorists is State Highway 7 through Lewis Pass.”
Meanwhile, State Highway 6 through Haast Pass, from Haast township to Makarora, will remain closed today. More than 120mm of rain fell in the area overnight bringing rock, trees and material onto the highway at the Diana Falls slip site and along other sections of the highway.
Mr Pinner says trees and rocks are still falling onto the highway at various locations along SH6.
“We apologise for any inconvenience to motorists these closures will cause.”
For updates on the state highway conditions and hazards call freephone 0800 4 HIGHWAYS or visit the website www.highwayinfo.govt.nz(external link)
For more information please contact:
Jan McCarthy
Media Manager - Christchurch
NZ Transport Agency
T: 03 964 2885
M: 021 427 442
E: jan.mccarthy@nzta.govt.nz
