Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency highway teams are assessing a number of slips north of Haast township and between the two glacier towns, Franz Josef and Fox, this morning. Work is underway to clear slips, although progress will be dependent on weather conditions.
Damage assessment is still underway and the next review on opening will be at 6pm, says Moira Whinham, Maintenance Contract Manager for Waka Kotahi on the West Coast.
“The weather eased over South Westland overnight and a red alert from MetService remains in force with more rain forecast,” says Miss Whinham. Buller, western Motueka, the Richmond Ranges near Murchison and the Whangamoas between Blenheim and Nelson are forecast to catch the heavy rainfall in the next 24 to 48 hours”.
South Westland’s Mahi Tahi River’s south approach this morning:
Slip across highway at Venture Creek near Lake Moeraki, South Westland this morning:
Makarora to Haast reopens, SH6
SH6 south and east of Haast to Makarora in Otago reopened earlier this morning after an overnight closure.
Nelson high tide Rocks Road closure
Rocks Road, part of SH6, closed around 11.15 am this morning for the high tide at 12.15pm. Drivers apart from HPMV (high performance motor vehicle) drivers can take Waimea Road into the city. The road is likely to reopen around 2 pm. People should check the traffic map for updates.
Tasman and Nelson – Orange warnings
The MetService has Orange warnings in place for the Rai Valley, the Richmond and Bryant Ranges and Nelson Lakes currently. Rivers may rise rapidly and drivers could face surface flooding in places.
There is also an Orange heavy rain warning in place for Tasman west of Motueka into Golden Bay/Mohua. Slips are possible and streams may rise rapidly with surface flooding, says MetService.
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