The last highway in Te Waipounamu/ the South Island remaining closed after several days of intense rain is SH6 Hira to Rai Valley, says Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency. The highway is expected to reopen by 5 pm Sunday or slightly earlier.
View the latest updates(external link)
The alternative route to Nelson is via the Wairau Valley, SH63, St Arnaud and Kawatiri Junction.
Care needed on damaged roads
Waka Kotahi Journey Manager Tresca Forrester asks everyone to take care driving given the recent flooding and slip clearances. “People should expect to see single lanes and traffic management on SH6 and other parts of the network. We appreciate everyone’s patience and care around our crews.”
Remediation work proper will start after the long Waitangi Weekend.
SH6 Hira to Rai Valley, through the Whangamoas – closed
With rain easing, Waka Kotahi crews are back in clean-up mode today on 15 sites covered in slash and slips on this section of highway at the Top of the South. Only minor additional damage has occurred overnight and the road should be open by 5 pm today.
View the latest updates(external link)
Marlborough Sounds roads still catching rain, some closed
The Marlborough District Council is updating the status of these local roads.
Several have been closed due to the deluges and flooding. Check their Facebook page for updates around Okiwi and Duncan Bays, for example.
Marlborough District Council Facebook page(external link)
All highway updates, including the North Island
Waka Kotahi Journey Planner - traffic information(external link)
