UPDATE: SH1 – South of Kaikoura between Peketa and Goose Bay – expected reopening

State Highway 1 south of Kaikoura between Peketa and Goose Bay is expected to reopen by midday to all traffic. Crews are replacing damaged containers which have been acting as rock fall barriers at the site north of the Paratitahi Tunnels that were damaged when scaling/ abseiling rock removal works brought down substantial materials yesterday.

In the meantime Kaikoura is still accessible via the Inland Route 70 (Waiau/ Mt Lyford) from the south. Note - the upcoming morning closure of the Alternate Highway Route will delay access from the north side this morning (see below).

NEW: SH7 - Alternate state highway route between Picton and Christchurch, via the Lewis Pass – closure and significant delays

http://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/roadhazards/184634

The Alternate state highway route between Picton and Christchurch, via the Lewis Pass, SH7, will have a significant hold-up this morning from 10.30am for vehicle recovery after a crash earlier today around 7am. A crane is needed to lift a truck out of the way requiring a highway closure for up to two and a half hours to 1 pm. Crews will be doing their best to reduce the length of this closure.

The road has been operating under stop/go with small delays since 7am. "No detour is available so please expect delays or delay your travel if you are able," says North Canterbury Transport Infrastructure Recovery Journey Manager Tresca Forrester.

We will update you as there is further information.

Thank you for your patience while our crews work hard to reopen these roads as quickly and safely as possible.

How to stay up to date:

• Key traffic and travel source which provides up-to-date information on weather and road conditions is www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic

• Important information is also shared via the Transport Agency’s official Twitter and Facebook accounts listed here https://www.nzta.govt.nz/contact-us/connect-with-us/

• Drivers can also call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) to speak to the call centre team who can provide them with traffic and travel information either before they’re travelling or when they’re on the road, safely parked off the highway.

ENDS

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