A rockfall near Orman Falls between Haast and Makarora in the Haast Pass has been cleared and the highway has now reopened.
SH6 was closed after 8 am today, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA). It reopened around 3.20 pm.
Good work by the excavator crew has cleared away the rockfall, but drivers need to take care around Orman Falls area given some remaining debris and potential for a slower journey as traffic gets going again.
11am
Rockfall closes SH6 between Haast and Makarora – next update 4 pm.
A rockfall near Orman Falls between Haast and Makarora in the Haast Pass closed the highway after 8 am today, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).
“An excavator is on the way to site now to clear the rockfall,” says Moira Whinham, Maintenance Contract Manager for NZTA on the West Coast.
The next update on SH6 through South Westland will be at 4pm today.
Drivers are advised to delay or postpone their journeys today – there is no alternative direct route connecting the West Coast and Otago.
The longer route between the West Coast and Queenstown Lakes District would be via SH73 (Arthur’s Pass, where there are also daytime delays currently 9 am to 5 pm) and the Canterbury and Otago highways.
Updates:
Journey Planner - Otago highway conditions(external link)
A rockfall near Orman Falls between Haast and Makarora in the Haast Pass
