Canterbury and West Coast flooding, highways: SH1 remaining closed today and tonight at Rangitata River bridge – 4.00 pm update

The South Island remains an island of two road halves tonight, with both main highways on either side of the island split in two by river-borne floodwaters on the east side and significant slips and damage from torrential rain on the west.

• SH6 through South Westland is closed north of Haast and south of Harihari.
• SH1 remains closed at the Rangitata Bridge and also inland at the Arundel bridge over the same river (Route 72, a council-managed road).

Floodwaters from the Rangitata River are slowly receding in South Canterbury, says Pete Connors, System Manager for Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.  “But not fast enough for us to repair the damaged areas of road in order to safely reopen the state highway today or tonight.”

SH1 will be reassessed by the Transport Agency Monday morning. People should check for updates here(external link).

The local road inland via Arundel (Route 72) is also staying closed for the rest of today and tonight. Please check Timaru District Council’s Civil Defence updates(external link)

The conditions and extent of damage on both roads will be reassessed as early as possibly on Monday morning by roading managers, but prolonged closures are to be expected.

Updates will be provided Monday morning.