Severe flood damage has forced the closure of the main transport link between Nelson and Marlborough.
Initial inspections show there are major slips, river scour, significant washouts, and numerous treefalls. A large amount of slash has come down causing culvert blockages and significant pavement damage. All of this is affecting State Highway 6 between Atawhai in Nelson and Havelock in Marlborough.
Andrew James, System Manager Top of the South, says a substantial amount of work is needed to make the road safe to use.
“The areas around Whangamoa Hill and Collins Valley are particularly bad. The road in this area has suffered severe damage from slips and washouts. All of this will take time to assess. At this stage, road users won’t be able to travel the Blenheim-Nelson route until this work is done.”
Flood damage SH6 Nelson to Blenheim.
Mr James says the route will be closed this weekend and into next week, subject to more weather impacts. A further update on this route will be provided on Tuesday, 23 August, after more damage assessments are completed.
“Our immediate focus is maintaining access from Nelson to Hira for residents only and keeping the State Highway 63 route between Nelson and Blenheim open. This is to make sure an alternative route is available between the two regions. Our contractors are working hard to maintain it, but we are mindful more rain is coming this afternoon and tonight”, Mr James says.
“State Highway 63 will close again at 7pm this evening. An assessment will be made early tomorrow morning about when it can be reopened.”
SH6 closure:
Mr James says Waka Kotahi understands the closure is a major inconvenience for residents and road users.
“This has been a huge weather event, with an even bigger impact on the state highway than the storm of July 2021. We are working as hard as we can to restore this vital transport link and ask that people bear with us. Your patience and understanding are appreciated.”
