Northbank Road access open to light vehicles, closed tonight and tomorrow

Northbank and Onamulutu residents can use a temporary bypass route to get around the slip on Northbank Road, for this afternoon only, using light vehicles (no trucks).

The access route opened just before 11.30am.

With the incoming rain expected tomorrow, the road will be closed from 6pm tonight until it is deemed safe to reopen, possibly on Friday.

Marlborough Roads engineers estimate around 3,000m3 of earth has come down, with large rocks causing projectile hazards. The slip is still on the move and any rain is likely exacerbate its movement. The top of the slip is some 30 metres above the road.

Stock truck movements will not be possible today or tomorrow until the slip is improved after this incoming weather.

Marlborough Emergency Management is activated and planning for tomorrow’s rain event as well as responding to this access issue. Local community and rural networks are supporting this response.

For preparedness advice go to: https://getready.govt.nz/emergency/floodsIf you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 111.

For more information on floodwater and contamination go to: Floods and health

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Keep an eye on MetService for watch and warning updates at www.metservice.com/warnings/home