The Nevis Bluff spring/summer rockfall scaling programme will shortly get underway, on SH6 between Cromwell and Queenstown, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).
The scaling occurs every autumn and spring with abseilers, suspended on ropes, inspecting the rocky face and removing loosened rocks that are hazardous to highway users.
“People should be ready for delays up to about ten minutes and allow some extra travel time for journeys between Cromwell and Queenstown,” says Peter Standring, NZTA Maintenance and Contract Manager in Central Otago.
The work is scheduled to take place over three weeks from Monday, 11 November, through to Friday, 29 November, 8 am to 5 pm weekdays, subject to weather conditions.
“People using the section of SH6 between Cromwell and Queenstown are advised to build in extra time of about 10 minutes as delays will be inevitable while the work is carried out,” says Mr Standring.
“We know these delays can be frustrating, but we’re asking people to be patient and to understand that they are necessary to ensure the safety of road users, which is our number one concern.”
Abseilers working over the rocky schist faces aim to release rock, loosened by the freezing and thawing winter conditions, in a controlled way when there is no traffic on the highway.
The Nevis Bluff is about half-way between Cromwell and Queenstown – 25 minutes from Cromwell, 35 minutes from Queenstown.
Work on the cycle trail, currently under construction, will be paused for a few days while the abseilers are overhead.
NZTA thanks everyone for their patience and for taking care while this important safety work is completed leading into the busy summer period.
