NZTA Issues Closure on Nelson to Blenheim Route Due to Slip and Rockfalls
NZTA Closes Key Route
A slip on State Highway 6 between Hira and Rai Valley has closed the main route between Nelson and Blenheim this morning.
New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) said a slip and rockfalls were reported shortly before 5am, forcing the closure of State Highway 6 north of Nelson, between Hira and Whangamoa.
The only available detour is via State Highway 63 St Arnaud and the Wairau Valley. This adds around 40 minutes to travel time between Blenheim and Nelson and about an extra hour if traveling to or from the Rai Valley.
Urgent Advisory from NZTA
In an update shortly before 9.30am, NZTA indicated that material had continued to fall at the slip site on the Whangamoa Hill and urged drivers to avoid the area.
NZTA reported that contractors are managing the incident and working hard to reopen the road. At this stage, there is no estimate for when the highway will reopen.
This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.