Te Tauihu – Top of the South

 

Our $390 million investment in the combined Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough region during the 2021–24 National Land Transport Programme (NLTP) period will help to support travel choice and shift the way people move about. 

We are also focused on helping Nelson, Tasman and Marlborough recover and keep moving after the recent state of emergency in August 2022.

Te Tauihu – Top of the South NLTP 2022 update

Graphic showing 390 million forecast investment

Latest news

Two diggers work alongside a road

Contractors continue to make solid progress on a slip site at SH60, Birds Hill, in Tākaka

The previous schedule of daily closures is now over. However, the road through the slip remains a single lane and traffic signals are in place 24 hours a day. 

Improved access on SH60 for Tākaka residents

Road with a large piece slipped away

Rai Valley accessible from Blenheim via SH6 

Contractors continue to make substantial progress in reopening SH6 to residents and road users. SH6 is now closed between Hira and Ronga Road/French pass turn off. Speed restrictions and traffic signals are in place and drivers are urged to take care when traveling on this stretch of road.

Rai Valley accessible from Blenheim via SH6

A bridge over a river with a large piece washed away by flooding

Crews working overtime to restore state highway links for Nelson, Marlborough and Tasman

Waka Kotahi contractors have fanned out across Nelson, Marlborough and Tasman to assess damage, clear debris and undertake repairs to begin re-establishing vital state highway links in the region following last week’s torrential rain.

Crews working overtime to restore state highway links

Major work underway

Map showing location of key projects in the Top of the South region

View larger map [PDF, 437 KB]

Marlborough roads recovery

Crews are continuing to work across the region to regain access to communities whilst assessing the damage from the August 2022 weather event. The damage in the Marlborough Sounds, Port Underwood, French Pass, d'Urville Island, Canvastown and Rai Valley is extensive with many areas still isolated. 

There are currently approximately 190 crew working on Marlborough's roads to regain access to communities as quickly as possible, whilst progressing with the assessment of the full extent of the damage. As of 2 September 2022, 2,900 faults have been identified with assessment still ongoing on the region's roads. 

Due to the significant damage specialist inspections are underway and roads will be opened when it is deemed safe to do so. 

Marlborough roads recovery

Nelson Future Access project

The Nelson City Council have endorsed the business case for a 30- year plan to future-proof Nelson’s transport system. Funding for the various elements of the programme is now being applied for.

Nelson Future Access project

Maintenance update

Marlborough

Maintenance activity undertaken during 2022/23

  • Rehabilitation (completely rebuilding the road) – 2.2 lane km
  • Resurfacing (replacing asphalt) – 0.3 lane km
  • Resealing (adding new layer of chipseal) – 62.5 lane km
  • SCRIM resealing (improving skid resistance) – 2.4 lane km
  • Total state highway network renewed – 12.9%
  • Total state highway maintenance spend – $13.3m

Maintenance summary infographic for Marlborough 2022/23 [PDF, 811 KB]

Planned maintenance for 2023/24

  • Rehabilitations – 1.4 lane km
  • Resurfacing – 0.4 lane km
  • Resealing – 36.5 lane km
  • Percentage of network to be renewed – 7.7%
  • Total state highway spend – $16.6m

Planned maintenance infographic for Marlborough 22023/24 [PDF, 1.1 MB]

Nelson/Tasman

Maintenance activity undertaken during 2022/23

  • Rehabilitation (completely rebuilding the road) – 2.2 lane km
  • Resurfacing (replacing asphalt) – 7.3 lane km
  • Resealing (adding new layer of chipseal) – 97.0 lane km
  • SCRIM resealing (improving skid resistance) – 0.7 lane km
  • Total state highway network renewed – 13.5%
  • Total state highway maintenance spend – $18.5m

Maintenance summary infographic for Nelson / Tasman 2022/23 [PDF, 889 KB]

Planned maintenance for 2023/24

  • Rehabilitations – 2.9 lane km
  • Resurfacing – 6.6 lane km
  • Resealing – 78.1 lane km
  • Percentage of network to be renewed – 11.0%
  • Total state highway spend – $12.7m

Planned maintenance infographic for Nelson / Tasman 22023/24 [PDF, 1.1 MB]

Consultations

Interim State Highway Speed Management Plan

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency sought feedback on its speed management plan for state highways. Submissions closed on 12 December 2022. A decision report will be available mid-2023.

Interim State Highway Speed Management Plan consultation