STOP PRESS 4pm: The trees above this section of highway have now been cleared and the highway should reopen around 6 pm tonight.
Please note: Weld Pass resealing to the north is scheduled for tonight – 10pm to 6am. This is a full closure through this pass and this should be the last night.
Updates on that work(external link)
1.59PM media release: People driving north of Kaikōura will face delays this afternoon as a slip covering a large part of the highway has closed SH1, says Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.
Overhanging, large trees poised above the highway need to be removed before it can safely reopen. (See photos below)
The alternative routes inland to Waiau (for drivers already south of Kaikōura, closer to Peketa) or through the Lewis Pass (SH7) via Waipara, will add time to this journey.
People already north of the slip should take SH63, the Wairau Valley route from Blenheim to St Arnaud then onto Waipara/ Christchurch via SH65, the Shenandoah highway.
“The large, overhanging trees above the road have been de-stabilised by the slip and will need to be removed before the road can re-open,” says Simon Harty, Acting Journey Manager for Waka Kotahi. This could take several hours this afternoon.
The slip occurred after midday today north of Hapuku, south of Mangamaunu at Kiwa Road.
Road users are encouraged to take other routes between Picton and Christchurch today and overnight for certainty:
This slip and subsequent delays updates(external link)
Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with:
