A large slip late this afternoon has covered both sides of State Highway 6 north of Punakaiki at Meybille Bay, a narrow area of the Great Coast Road. The area has been prone to slips in the past, says the NZ Transport Agency.
“A slip this morning covered at least one lane but traffic was able to pass safely until after 3 pm when more material gave way. More has fallen since then also,” says Pete Connors, Transport Agency Regional Performance Manager.
Transport Agency contracting teams will be working the slip with diggers from both sides, with sluicing to remove loose material and rocks in the morning (Monday, 12 September).
The next update is likely to be Monday afternoon, 12 September.
Drivers are advised to take SH7 via Reefton tonight and tomorrow.
Road blocks are in place south of Westport, at the intersection of State Highways 6 and 7, and Rapahoe, just north of Greymouth.
