Motorists in the upper South Island are being warned to expect months of disruption as the NZ Transport Agency prepares to undertake extensive repairs across several state highways damaged in recent weather events.
Multiple key routes in Nelson/Tasman and Marlborough have been affected and drivers are being urged to check conditions before travelling and plan for delays.
“On the Tākaka Hill, we have two slip sites and a slump site that will need remedial work,” says Mark Owen, regional manager for the Lower North Island/Top of the South.
“We expect single-lane stop/go traffic management to remain in place on the hill until the end of the year.
“We also have work to do in Nelson. Everyone is well aware of the recent closures of State Highway 6 Rocks Road and the slips on this road. We are working on a long-term solution that will see new retaining works done along the top of the cliff face,” Owen says.
In Marlborough, State Highway 63 is also in need of urgent attention.
“Here, the most pressing task is the washout at Andersons Bridge. Although there are also road repairs needed west of the Waihopai Bridge where the highway has suffered flood scouring,” he says.
Other affected sites include SH6 near Kohatu, Spooners Saddle, Norris Gully, and Coal Creek, with various slips, scour and underslip issues.
“There are areas, like the scour site on State Highway 6 at Kohatu, that will have temporary repairs in place ahead of permanent work later on,” Owen says.
“To be effective and durable, road rebuilds have to be done during warmer and drier weather. So, we can’t get this section of State Highway 6 fully rebuilt over winter and early spring.”
He warns the region’s infrastructure is under pressure after “three major rain events in quick succession”.
“The damage caused will take time to fix. We are talking months, not weeks.”
“We are still working through the details — getting geotechnical and site assessments completed and working on designs and solutions. Once these are finalised, we will be able to share more details about how long specific sites will be affected, and how long people can expect to experience travel delays while repairs are completed. We will keep the community updated,” Owen says.
