Another Summit Road section reopens for summer holidays

Another stretch of the Summit Road has reopened in time for cyclists, joggers and walkers to enjoy during the summer holidays.

The 1.2 kilometre section of road from the Bridle Path Track to the Mount Pleasant saddle reopened to recreational users today. This extends the 3.4km section of Summit Road from the Rapaki Track to the Bridle Track that reopened to cyclists, joggers and walkers in July this year.

"People love this area for its natural beauty and stunning views and we're delighted the hard work of contractors and staff means they can return this summer," says Parks Unit Manager Andrew Rutledge.

The road was closed under Section 46 of the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Act by CERA because of the significant rockfall risk after the earthquakes. Nearby tracks on park land were also closed. Since then, work has taken place to address geotechnical hazards to reduce the risk to people using the road. Rock posing a risk has been removed.

The road is not being reopened to vehicles as it has not been repaired yet. Livestock are in the area and may wander onto the road.

"Road rules apply, so we're asking cyclists and walkers to keep to the left and remember the road is uneven and reduced to one lane in places," says Mr Rutledge.

Please follow all safety signs, keep to the marked tracks and take care. The bluffs are a natural feature that continue to weather, so there is always a risk of loose rock falling. Some tracks remain closed in surrounding areas at higher risk of rockfall, for example Castle Rock.

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