The recovery effort to restore the transport corridor has been a remarkable team effort. From a disaster response to a collaborative approach in rebuilding infrastructures and making them safer and more resilient, the programme adapted to the dynamic environment and challenges presented by the landscape and harsh weather conditions.
March 2020–December 2020 – milestones achieved
Cultural artwork complete
On 5 December 2020 a ceremony was held to mark the completion of the Cultural Artwork Package, developed in partnership with Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura, across transport networks along the Kaikōura coastline.
Artwork includes murals on tunnels, retaining walls and the bridge in Kaikōura town, as well as pouwhenua and tekoteko (carved pillars), vapour blasted murals, laser cut corten steel and information panels at seven new formal Safe Stopping Areas along State Highway 1.
Te Ana Pouri.
Peketā palisade and tekoteko marker.
Inland Road works complete
In October 2020 all major earthquake repairs on the Inland Road (Route 70) were completed, including major repairs on the Waiau Bridge.
The Inland Road was hit with over 50 slips and seven damaged bridges following the 2016 earthquake. The repair works consisted of 20 separate projects, including repairs to bridges, culverts and retaining walls, as well as a road realignment at Lulu’s bend, and a complete bridge replacement at Wandle River.
Removal of damaged Wandle Bridge in 2017.
Wandle Bridge opening in January 2020.
Final Safe Stopping Area opens
Construction on the last of seven new formal Safe Stopping Areas along State Highway 1 was completed, with parking opened to the public at Paparoa Point on 15 July 2020.
Parking has opened at Paparoa Point.
Ōkiwi Bay realignment wraps up
After a string of weather setbacks, the team at Ōkiwi Bay were pleased to lay the final layer of seal on the site in late June 2020, completing the project to realign the road and rail in 13 months.
Final sealing works on the Ōkiwi Bay realignment.
January 2019 – February 2020 – milestones achieved
- All ex-cyclone Gita repairs complete
- Last sea wall block for the whole project placed at Half Moon Bay
- Te Ana Pōuri and Rākautara safe stopping areas were opened
- Tunnel 11 and 19 rockfall protection extension slides complete
- SH1 through the Hundalees opened for two-way traffic
May–December 2018 – milestones achieved
- Rail – Coastal Pacific reconnects Picton and Christchurch
- Parititahi road tunnels reopened to two-way traffic
- SH1 – Ōhau Point safe stopping area opened
- Raramai road tunnels reopened to two-way traffic
- Rail – 24/7 freight trains
December 2017 – April 2018 – SH1 reopening
- SH1 reopened during the day
- SH1 reopened 24/7
September–November 2017 – milestones achieved
- Rail – Freight milestone
- Commemorating the rebuild of the line with a sculpture
- SH1 – Ohau Point, last in the red zone
- Road status – Road on track to reopening
- Travel in the upper South Island
- The marina
June–August 2017 – transition from earthquake response to rebuild
- SH1: Rebuilding the road – a coordinated approach
- SH1: Improving the road
- The alternate route
- Rail – The first work train
- Kaikōura marina and harbour – work ramping up
November 2016 – May 2017 – In the beginning…
- Multiple slips
- State Highway 1 – a broken corridor
- The Inland Road – an essential link for Kaikōura
- The alternate Route – Picton to Christchurch
- Rail – getting the line back on track
- Kaikōura marina – keeping the town afloat
