Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Contractors will be working hard on the cliff above State Highway 6 Rocks tomorrow (Monday, 28 July) to further protect the road from slips and debris falls ahead of bad weather forecast for Tuesday.
Rob Service, System Manager Nelson/Tasman, says abseilers will install bidim material – a geotextile material designed to help prevent erosion – along the cliff face in areas where slips have recently occurred, causing the highway to close.
“With more heavy rain coming, we want to reduce the risk of further slips and rockfalls along Rocks Road,” Mr Service says.
“Getting the bidim sheets in place will help mitigate the impact of the heavy rain on the cliff,” Mr. Service says.
He says further work will also be done at the road level to help protect road users and the public.
“Contractors will be extending water-filled safety barriers further south, towards Magazine Point. These will reduce the risk of debris falls reaching the road,” Mr Service says.
Contractors removing slip debris earlier this month, SH6 Rocks Road.
The work will require traffic management, and Mr Service warns it will create disruption and delays for drivers.
“We will have to run stop/go traffic management at the site while the work is underway. This will result in travel delays and queues on one of Nelson’s busiest roads,” Mr. Service says.
“We are timing it to start from nine am, after the morning peak commuting time. But we expect it will continue into the afternoon peak travel time. Delays can be expected, and we urge the public to be ready for them,” Mr. Service says.
He says the traffic management is essential.
“We need to get this additional protection for Rocks Road in before the rain arrives. Our crews need time and space to get these measures installed to help protect a key transport route.”
Contractors removing slip debris, SH6 Rocks Road
