Waka Kotahi contractors have fanned out across Nelson, Marlborough and Tasman to assess damage, clear debris and undertake repairs to begin re-establishing vital state highway links in the region following last week’s torrential rain.
Waka Kotahi Transport Systems Manager for Top of the South Andrew James says crews will be working hard throughout the weekend with the aim of re-opening key sections of SH6 early next week, with temporary speed restrictions and traffic management in place.
“The scale of the damage sustained by highways and local roads here is huge. They can’t be repaired to their previous condition overnight, but we know how crucial these transport links are to communities and businesses in the region, and we’re pulling out all the stops to restore road access as soon as possible.”
Mr James says Waka Kotahi is optimistic that SH6 between Havelock and Rai Valley can be re-opened with speed restrictions and traffic management by Tuesday morning (August 30), and SH6 between Nelson and Blenheim by Wednesday morning (August 31), also with restrictions in place.
“We’ll continue working in partnership with the Nelson/Tasman and Marlborough Civil Defence groups to ensure that all of the needed safety checks and approvals from Civil Defence are in place for road access to resume.
“The damage to these roads from the severe weather has been significant, and when they do re-open there will be temporary speed restrictions, lane closures and traffic management in place at several locations, so please factor in longer journey times and delays when planning travel.
“Although we’ve made considerable progress on State Highway 6 already, there is still a lot more work to do to fully repair the road and open it without restrictions. To be able to complete this work as soon as possible, we expect that there will be temporary full road closures in several weeks’ time. We will provide more information when further assessments have been carried out and we have more details to share.
“Waka Kotahi would like to thank everyone in the region for the wonderful support which has been provided to contractors as they have responded to the severe weather over the past week. We thank you for your patience and understanding as the mahi continues to restore these transport links in the weeks ahead.”
A full update on the region’s state highway network follows below.
State Highway 6, Rocks Road, partial reopening:
- State Highway 6 Rocks Road is partially reopened in one direction (Northbound to Nelson from 8am to 7pm each day.
- It is under a 30km/h temporary speed limit and cyclists and pedestrians are NOT permitted.
- Each morning during daylight hours the geotechnical experts need to inspect the slips to make sure it is safe and opening the road can proceed. 8am is the earliest opening time possible after the inspection has been completed at first light. We will review opening hours in partnership with the Nelson Civil Defence and Nelson City Council as daylight hours change, for example at daylight savings.
- The decision to open SH6 Rocks Road to one lane and only Northbound, as in our reversing traffic on the same lane (known as a tidal flow) and making sure people are aware of the changes and timing is very challenging.
- We are working in partnership with Nelson Civil Defence and Nelson City Council to see when we would be able to open the road to two lanes. We will continue to update the community as more information becomes available.
State Highway 6, Atawhai Drive:
- This is now restored to two lanes. Work continues to clear slip sites further, with traffic management in place. With wet weather forecast, road users should be aware conditions here could change at short notice
State Highway 6, Renwick to Havelock:
- This road is currently open. Due to severe weather damage and ongoing repairs, various traffic management with temporary speed restrictions are in place along this route, please expect delays. Take extra care when traveling through the area and please drive to the conditions.
State Highway 6, Havelock to Rai Valley:
- We are aiming to have this section of SH6 open by Tuesday 30 August. This would be open to Ronga Road/French Pass turn off.
- We are working in partnership with the Nelson and Marlborough Civil Defence. Final safety checks and approval from Civil Defence will need to be given before access can resume. Due to severe weather damage and ongoing repairs, various traffic management with temporary speed restrictions are in place along this route, please expect delays.
State Highway 6, Blenheim to Nelson:
- We are aiming to have this section of SH6 open by Wednesday 31 August.
- We are working in partnership with the Nelson and Marlborough Civil Defence. Final safety checks and approval from Civil Defence will need to be given before access can resume.
- Re-opening will be subject to traffic management with considerable delays along the route. There will be multiple one lane traffic flow and wait times at traffic lights or stop/go.
- People should allow at least one hour extra for the full journey between Nelson to Blenheim. We expect this journey to take around two and a half hours.
- Please allow at least three and a half hours to get to Picton from Nelson.
- Please keep travel to essential needs to help minimise the wait times.
- Information on local roads – for people trying to get to their homes in the Marlborough region(external link)
State Highway 63. Renwick to Saint Arnaud:
- The northern closure point has now moved to Leatham Road. However, the highway remains closed between Leatham Road and Saint Arnaud. Contractors are working hard to restore this link. Efforts are underway to divert the river away from the abutment at the washed-out Branch River Bridge.
- We are aiming to have the road open during the week 12 September, with restrictions while full repairs are completed.
State Highway 60. Tākaka to Onekaka update:
- Efforts to reopen the road to heavy vehicles are going well. The road will be open single lane to vehicles up to 26 tonne 8 wheel from 6pm today 25 August. The road will be closed again tomorrow (26 August) from 7am – 6pm with openings from 8am – 9am, 12pm – 1pm and 3pm – 4pm as previously advised. Work will continue next week to open to all heavy vehcles and further updates will be provided as work progresses.
