The NZ Transport Agency is unlikely to reopen State Highway 1 through Kaikoura until the end of this week. This will be reviewed and the likely date confirmed on Wednesday, 28 February, 5 pm.

“Good progress has been made by the crews over the weekend clearing the debris flow materials at the major landslide sites,” says Tim Crow, Transport Agency Earthquake Recovery Manager. “But, wet weather is restricting crews currently and this may continue into the week ahead.

“When the road opens it will be single lane in many more sections than prior to this storm. People should expect more delays than previously.”

Mr Crow says some new sites on the Hundalees, south of Oaro require longer term repairs. (See photo of new drop-out areas on these hills below). Traffic will be managed around these as single lanes while they are permanently rebuilt.

The inland road into Kaikoura via Waiau, Route 70, is the access route 24/7 in the meantime.

For background on the new landslides through Kaikoura, and photo/video footage links, please read our earlier media statement here:

http://nzta.govt.nz/media-releases/kaikoura-sh1-timeline-for-repairs-from-ex-cyclone-gita/