Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
29 July 2:20pm
State Highway 6 Rocks Road has reopened following a weather closure earlier today.
Sea conditions meant the route remained closed slightly longer than originally anticipated.
Meanwhile, all state highways in the top of the South Island are open. However, the wet weather is ongoing, and road users must drive to the conditions and use extreme care on the roads.
More information
29 July 10:44am
State Highway 6 Rocks Road will be closed today, shortly before midday, due to the weather.
Rob Service, System Manager Nelson/Tasman, says the closure is needed because of sea and weather conditions.
“We expect waves to affect the highway with high tide. Because this poses a safety risk to the public, the road will be closed.”
“The closure is expected to run from 11:45 am to approximately 1:30 pm. Although, reopening will depend on the weather and sea conditions,” Mr Service says.
All drivers are asked to detour via Waimea Road while the closure is in place.
All other state highways are currently open in the region. But with bad weather ongoing, people are encouraged to stay up to date on all the latest information and check road and weather conditions before they travel.
27 July
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.”
