Wednesday 5 November is the day the NZ Transport Agency expects to restore 24/7 access on State Highway 6 through Haast Pass.
The Agency’s Regional Performance Manager Pete Connors says work to install Australasia’s most complex rockfall protection system is progressing well, with one fence complete and the remaining two underway.
“The spring thaw and recent bad weather has had an impact on our work programme, and our contractors have experienced some difficulties in founding the rockfall fences on the slip face because of the fractured rock.
“At this stage, we are working to be able to re-open SH6 at night from Wednesday 5 November. There is likely to be some site works still remaining to be completed and we may not have two-lane access restored but the highway should be open 24/7,” he says.
“Any remaining work will result in some delays as we complete it and possibly one night-time closure.”
Mr Connors says he is well aware of the impact the closures have had on the local community and tourism industry which is why everything is being done to meet the 5 November target date.
State Highway 6 has been closed at night through Haast Pass since a slip at the Diana Falls site on 10 September last year brought more than 40,000 cubic metres of rock and debris onto the highway.
“The safety of both road users and our contractors has always been our top priority with this work and it will continue to be so as we work to achieve our 5 November date.”
Mr Connors says Diana Falls has been the most significant slip on the West Coast highway network for many years and one of the most challenging. “It has challenged us because of the steepness of the terrain, the fractured rock, the weather and the isolation.
“We have taken the time to ensure what we are installing at the site is the best long-term solution to provide the greatest protection for all road users.”
He says he would like to thank the community for their continuing patience as work at the slip site nears completion.
Visit SH6 Diana Falls slip(external link) for the latest information.
For more information please contact:
Jan McCarthy
Media Manager - Christchurch
T: 03 964 2885
M: 021 427 442
E: jan.mccarthy@nzta.govt.nz
