State Highway 1 at the Rangitata Bridge will open at 6pm tonight.
There will be temporary speed limits in place across the Rangitata Bridge in some places, says Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency System Manager Pete Connors.
“Please slow down and follow the posted speed limits,” he says.
“The Transport Agency thanks everyone who has been working and continues to work on these repairs and on the detour route via Arundel since the weekend for their long days and dedication.
The bridge was closed by the Transport Agency late Saturday morning when floodwaters from the Rangitata River spilled across the highway and bridge approaches.
The alternate road over the Upper Rangitata Bridge at Arundel was also damaged and flooded but was reopened midday Monday for the thousands of travellers stranded in South and Mid Canterbury.
“People can expect to see work continuing to strengthen the bunds around the river and stopbanks right through to Christmas,” says Mr Connors.
Please see Environment Canterbury’s warnings on the Rangitata River system here: https://ecan.govt.nz/home/flood-warning(external link)
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