The work site and single traffic lane at Omoto Tuesday.

At 7am Wednesday the NZ Transport Agency reopened SH7 at Omoto for single lane traffic and intends to keep the highway open 24/7, barring future movement caused by wet weather, or other safety concerns.

The permanent repair strategy for the highway is still being formulated, says Moira Whinham, maintenance contract manager for the NZTA on the West Coast. “We have geotechnical advisors assessing the site and doing more ground investigation this week to ensure we have a robust restoration strategy. We will keep people informed once we decide what will be done to return the highway to two lanes without traffic management.”

The highway was fully closed mid last week after an historic landslide reactivated in August, requiring traffic management. Since Tuesday this week, it has been open daylight hours only 7am to 7pm.

As of today, this will extend to 24 hours every day with traffic control night and day.

“The road could still close at any time to ensure the safety of all road users,” says Whinham.