The NZ Transport Agency says it has established limited access along Route 70 between Culverden and Kaikoura allowing military-grade 4WD vehicles to deliver water and essential supplies through to Kaikoura.
“This is emergency access for military vehicles and other necessary services under escort only,” says NZTA highways manager Neil Walker.
“The road is still high risk and is not yet open to private vehicles. We are doing everything possible to have the road open to the public by the weekend, but we’re asking people not to attempt to use the route for access in or out of Kaikoura until we’ve finished the urgent work needed to open it safely,” he says.
The alternative state highway route from Picton to Christchurch, via Murchison and the Lewis Pass has been open since late Monday afternoon.
NZTA has also restored controlled access for residents, and essential services have also restored on SH1 south from Seddon to Okiwi Bay, and north from Cheviot to Goose Bay.
These sections of SH1 are only accessible to residents or essential services – all other traffic must use the alternate route via the Lewis Pass.
With the closure of SH1, Walker says the Lewis Pass road will be carrying higher volumes of traffic, and people are urged to allow extra time for their journeys.
Drivers should allow an additional 90 minutes to two hours for the trip between Christchurch and Picton on the Lewis Pass route – average journey times between Christchurch and Picton are currently expected to take seven and a half hours.
Fuel, food, and toilet stops are available along the route at Culverden, Springs Junction, Murchison and St Arnaud.
State Highway 7A, giving access to Hanmer Springs from State Highway 7, re-opened after being closed overnight due to the risk of further rockfalls.
Drivers can call 0800 44 44 49 for updates and the Transport Agency’s website and social media accounts will also be updated as more information is available.
