The NZ Transport Agency says tonight's closure of State highway six at a slip site near Makarora is due to heavy rain today further destabilising some areas of the slip.
The overnight closure is from 7pm tonight 1 October until 7am tomorrow, 2 October 2012.
NZ Transport Agency Central Otago Area Manager John Jarvis says the rain has exposed further debris at the highest point of the slip some 100 metres above the highway, making it unsafe for motorists to use the road tonight.
“We understand these closures are disruptive. However our contractors are doing their best to get on top of the situation in what is a particularly steep and challenging environment with volatile weather.”
The night time closures will be reviewed daily until we are fully confident the slip site is stabilised and the highway below it safe for road users to use 24/7. The road is open to single lane traffic during the day although motorists can expect some minor delays while clearance work continues Mr Jarvis said.
The latest information on this closure can be found at www.highwayinfo.govt.nz(external link).
