Good views from this office: Abseilers above the Kawarau River, removing loose rocks on the Nevis Bluff in past spring scaling seasons.

Following Labour Weekend, those who travel along State Highway 6 between Cromwell and Queenstown will spot the NZ Transport Agency‘s Nevis Bluff spring safety programme under way.

Between 8am and 5pm from Tuesday 27 October, road users can expect up to 10-minute delays at a time.

“People may be able to see abseilers inspecting and removing loose rock on the Nevis Bluff rock face,” says NZTA Central Otago maintenance contract manager Mark Stewart.

The work is being done by NZTA‘s aspiring highways team. One particular area to be inspected on the Bluff may require blasting and an extended closure during the first week of November. Further notification will be made prior to any extended delays.

“The Nevis Bluff is a site that we regularly inspect, monitor and stabilise as part of our commitment to provide a safe, accessible highway network,” says Stewart.

“However we appreciate everyone‘s understanding for any delays that they may encounter and thank them for following the temporary, lowered speeds which are for their safety and the safety of our workers.”

This work is expected to be complete by mid-November, subject to weather conditions.

The Nevis Bluff is about halfway between Cromwell and Queenstown – 25 minutes from Cromwell, 35 minutes from Queenstown, above the Kawarau River.