Lane restrictions will be in place on the Otira Gorge, State highway 73, at the Rock Shelter for at least the next two weeks. The road is the main alpine pass between the West Coast and Canterbury.
The NZ Transport Agency’s contractors are aiming to start replacing the guardrail taken out by this week’s slip(external link) in the next fortnight. Concrete barriers are being used to keep vehicles away from the gorge edge in the meantime (see photo below.)
Lanes will continue to be restricted to just three metres wide each, so truck drivers and other drivers of large vehicles need to exercise care.
“We are advising freight operators to please be cautious,” said Transport Agency Journey Manager Lee Wright.
For earlier updates on the Otira Gorge slip and photos, read the earlier media releases.(external link)
