Bad weather has brought down trees and caused rockfalls on the Whangamoa Hill. It means State Highway 6 will be closed between Rai Valley and Hira overnight.
9 August 2022, 10.14am update
Fallen trees on the Whangamoa Hill this morning (9 August).
Gale force winds and darkness mean it is too dangerous for contractors to clear the road tonight.
It may take some time tomorrow for the road to be cleared. Waka Kotahi will update the highway’s status by midday Tuesday, 9 August.
The closure means there is no direct route between Nelson and Blenheim. Road users should delay non-essential travel or use the only alternative route.
For people travelling from Blenheim, it is State Highway 63, Wairau Valley to Kawatiri Junction and State Highway 6 to Nelson. For people travelling from Nelson to Blenheim, it is the reverse.
This is a significant detour and will mean much longer travel times.
Weather conditions in the upper South Island are challenging, and drivers are urged to exercise extreme caution on the roads.
SH6 Hira to Rai Valley (Whangamoa) live traffic update(external link)
