Rockfall closes State Highway 6, Hira to Rai Valley (SH6 is now OPEN)

Update 6:25 pm: State Highway 6 is now open on the Whangamoa Hill following a rock fall closure this afternoon.

The road was closed for almost four and a half hours this afternoon while road crews worked to make the site safe and clear debris.

Drivers may experience some delays at the slip site as queued traffic clears.

NZTA/Waka Kotahi thanks road users for their patience and cooperation during this state highway closure.

Update 3:50pm: State Highway 6, Hira to Rai Valley, is now expected to remain closed into this evening.

Contractors are working hard to reopen the road, however there are trees at the top of the rockfall that must be removed before slip and rockfall debris can be cleared.

A further update will be provided at 8 pm or when the highway’s status changes.

Drivers are asked to avoid the area and continue using the detour via State Highway 63 and the Wairau Valley.

Updates on the highway’s status can be found on the NZTA/Waka Kotahi website:

Highway conditions – Nelson/Marlborough(external link)

State Highway 6 is currently closed between Hira and the Rai Valley following a rock fall on the route earlier this afternoon.

The slip, reported shortly after midday, has blocked one lane on Whangamoa Hill, and more material above the road is at risk of falling.

For safety reasons, the highway is closed while contractors bring machinery to the site to clear the fallen rock and remove overhanging debris.

Drivers are asked to avoid the area and delay their travel.

The closure means there is no direct route between Nelson and Blenheim, and the only alternative route is via SH6 to Renwick, onto SH63 Wairau Valley/St Arnaud, right at the intersection of SH6/63 Kawatiri Junction onto SH6 and north to Nelson. The reverse applies to people travelling from Nelson to Marlborough.

This is a longer route and can add 30 minutes or more to travel times. Drivers must factor this into their travel plans – particularly those with Picton ferry connections.

View larger map [PNG, 923 KB]

Work is underway to reopen the highway, but the closure is expected to remain in place for the rest of the afternoon. The next update will be at 6 pm or when the highway’s status changes.

Updates on the highway can also be found on the NZTA/Waka Kotahi website:

Highway conditions – Nelson/Marlborough(external link)