Heavy overnight rain and a number of slips have closed State Highway 6 from Haast township to Makarora today (Friday 23 May).
The NZ Transport Agency’s Senior Network Manager Mark Pinner says more than 120mm of rain has fallen in the area overnight and it is still raining.
“This has resulted in rocks and material on the highway at the Diana Falls slip site and also a number of trees and other small slips down on the highway from Haast township to Makarora.
“Conditions are such that our geotech experts are unable to get on to the slip face at this stage to complete a thorough inspection of what is happening on site. We need to ensure the slip face has stabilised before our contractors can begin to clear the highway.”
Mr Pinner says if the weather conditions continue as forecast, it is unlikely State Highway 6 will be re-opened today.
“We apologise for the inconvenience and disruption this will cause to travel plans but our top priority will always be the safety of road users and our contractors.”
At this stage, the next update is 8am tomorrow (Saturday).
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
