Highway between Blenheim and Nelson reopened

State Highway 6, between Blenheim and Nelson, has been reopened - but expect delays.

The latest information from the Waka Kotahi journey planner website says the road between Renwick and Rai Valley is open, but to expect delays of up to 30 minutes.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Journey Manager Tresca Forrester says a top priority for Waka Kotahi was restoring access to Nelson.

“As a number of sites on this route are still under repair, for safety reasons access through some parts of the route will only be via escorted convoys, and people planning to travel to Nelson via SH65/6 should be prepared for delays of up 30 minutes through the Shenandoah Route,” she says.

“The only South Island roads that are expected to remain closed overnight are SH6 through the Lower and Upper Buller Gorge, and SH63 from Renwick to Tophouse Road. Contractors are continuing to monitor these routes, and a further update will be provided at midday tomorrow (19 July).

“We know how important these routes are for South Island businesses and communities, and they will be re-opened as soon as we are able to safely do so.”

SH6 between Blenheim and Nelson was expected to re-open from Renwick to Rai Valley this afternoon, and SH6 between Murchison and Kawatiri/SH65 Shenandoah targeted for re-opening early this evening.

Tresca reminds everyone driving in the region to take extra care and be aware that they are likely to encounter potholes, surface water and possibly debris on some re-opened roads, with many operating with lane restrictions or under temporary lower speed limits.

“With the massive rainfall we’ve just experienced, many areas will also remain highly susceptible to slips, or to further flooding if the rain returns. Please continue to keep safe and take extra care out on the roads.”

The latest information on state highway conditions, updated regularly 24-hours a day, is available at: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic