The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) is closing SH6 Lower Buller Gorge from 12.30 to 4.30pm on Wednesday 4 March so unstable material on the cliffs above the road can be removed.
The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) is closing SH6 Lower Buller Gorge from 12.30 to 4.30pm on Wednesday 4 March so unstable material on the cliffs above the road can be removed.
The work will be carried out at Hawks Crag. The site is adjacent to a slip last June when material came down on the road and closed it for about 8hrs.
Notice of the closure will be signed at the following locations to minimise disruption to road users: SH6/67 ("The Crossroads"), SH69 Reefton, SH69 Inangahuaand SH6 Greymouth (North of Wingham Park). An alternative route to Westport is available via SH69, SH7 and SH6. All major transport operators have been made aware of the closure. Emergency Services will be contacted as well.
NZTA Canterbury West Coast Regional Director Mark Yaxley says the closure is necessary to safeguard the public whilst this essential work is carried out. While there is no immediate threat to road users, there is a substantial amount of material that needs to be removed, so its does not fall onto the highway.
"The work has been planned to ensure public safety and maintain the routes availability. Around 450m3 of material will be blasted from an area about 30 metres above the road and then removed. Advance preparation work to remove the vegetation and to assist blasting has already been carried out and this should keep the closure as short as possible."
The NZ Transport Agency apologises for the inconvenience this closure may cause and thanks road users for their patience in this matter.
For more information please contact:
Bob Nettleton
Regional Communications Advisor
T DDI 03 951 3005
M 021 437 718
F 03 964 2855
E-mail bob.nettleton@nzta.govt.nz
