State Highway 1 north side of Kaikōura closed at 1pm today, south side to close at 8pm tonight/Wednesday

State Highway 1, north of Kaikōura, closed to traffic at 1pm today after a slip south of Paparoa Point spread across the rail line and road.

“With 50-75mm of rain forecast to fall this afternooon and tonight, the NZ Transport Agency decided to close the highway to the north earlier this afternoon. The south side will also close tonight at 8 pm due to concerns around rockfall,” says Transport Agency Network Operations Manager, Tresca Forrester.

Today’s slip south of Paparoa Point, north of Kaikōura. The material is extremely slippery and continuing to spread as rain continues to fall on sodden soil

• The northern closure of SH1, in place from 1 pm today and overnight, is between Clarence and Mangamaunu.
• South of Kaikōura, SH1 will close between Oaro and Peketa from 8 pm. There will be a soft (manned checkpoint) closure at the Leader Road, north of Cheviot, so drivers are aware there will be no access to Kaikōura from the south side of SH1.

The aim is to reopen the highway both sides of Kaikōura at 9 am Thursday, once geotechnical checks have been done, says Ms Forrester.

•  The Inland Road (Route 70 via Waiau) is still open for access to Kaikōura.
• Picton to Christchurch traffic should take the Lewis Pass Alternate Route.

Overnight (Tuesday night) slip on the Hundalees, south of Kaikōura, cleared at first light Wednesday

How to stay up to date:

• For travellers between Christchurch and Picton check real time information: http://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/kaikoura-earthquake-response/plan-your-journey/(external link)
• Important information is also shared via the Transport Agency’s official Twitter and Facebook(external link) accounts listed here: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/contact-us/connect-with-us/(external link)
• Drivers can also call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) to speak to the call centre team for traffic and travel information.
• Check the MetService: http://www.metservice.com/warnings/severe-weather-warnings(external link) for the latest severe weather warning and watches.