The autumn rockfall safety programme will shortly get underway on the Nevis Bluff, on SH6 between Cromwell and Queenstown.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) says people should be ready for some delays and allow some extra travel time for journeys between Cromwell and Queenstown.
The work is scheduled to take place over five weeks from Monday, 13 May, through to Friday, 14 June.
“People using the section of SH6 between Cromwell and Queenstown are advised to build in extra time of about 10 minutes as delays will be inevitable while the work is carried out,” says Peter Standring, NZTA Maintenance and Contract Manager in Central Otago.
Crews will be working on SH6 between 8am and 5pm on weekdays, subject to weather conditions.
“We know these delays can be frustrating, but we’re asking people to be patient and to understand that they are necessary to ensure the safety of road users, which is our number one concern.”
Mr Standring says there will also be one or two days where closures of up to an hour will be necessary for blasting work. It is anticipated that these will be occurring towards the end of May, early June.
Road users will be given as much advance notice about the blast closure days and times as possible, with electronic signs advertising these longer closures a day or two ahead.
People heading for Queenstown Airport will need to bear these longer delays in mind.
The Nevis Bluff is about half-way between Cromwell and Queenstown – 25 minutes from Cromwell, 35 minutes from Queenstown.
NZTA thanks everyone for their patience and for taking care while this important safety work is completed leading into winter.
