The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) says both lanes of State Highway 1 south of Kaikoura will open tonight. One lane of the highway was opened late yesterday afternoon, after it was closed for six days following a massive land slip last Friday night.
NZTA’s Canterbury Highways Operation Manager Peter Connors says contractors are working hard to get two lanes operating by 8pm tonight.
“Crews are still cleaning up at the site and motorists could face delays of up to 30 minutes. We ask for them to be patient with the measures that are in place to control traffic flows. The NZTA appreciates the huge effort put in by the crew working on clearing the slip over the last six days. They have worked incredibly hard to get this highway open to allow the flow of freight through to the earthquake hit Canterbury region.
Peter Connors said the severe weather affecting many parts of the country and forecast to continue over much of the weekend, is not expected to have a major impact at the slip site. However a close eye will be kept on the weather in case that situation changes.
Up to date information on the slip can be found at www.highwayinfo.govt.nz(external link) or by phoning 0800 44 44 49.
