Flooding plagued the entire Nelson Tasman region last month. Photo: RNZ / Angus Dreaver
A major alternative route between Nelson and Blenheim reopened at midday today, after flooding three weeks ago caused extensive damage.
The Transport Agency's System Manager for the region says huge efforts were needed to get State Highway 63 reopened today.
Andrew James said that, for example, to repair a washout at Branch River Bridge, they had to move 27,000 cubic metres of river rock to build a new approach to the bridge.
James said care will still need to be taken on the highway, with road works still under way and speed restrictions in some places.