New Zealand / Infrastructure

SH6 from Haast to re-open following storm damage

12:33 pm on 29 November 2024

Some of the rockfall that has been cleared. Photo:

The main highway along the West Coast will open overnight from Friday following safety checks.

State Highway 6 between Haast and Lake Moeraki closed earlier this month when record-breaking rain pummelled the region, causing slips, rockfall and cracking in the highway.

Waka Kotahi Central South Island system manager Mark Pinner said the section of the highway had reopened with night closures a week ago after extensive rock and slip clearing.

"Sufficient monitoring has been completed to provide assurance that the site continues to be stable with traffic using it and rockfall bund works are effective," he said.

But he didn't rule out more overnight closures if there was heavy rain forecast.

"So people will still need to check the journey planner to avoid delays," Pinner said.

Closures will remain in place between midday and 5pm on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons for rock stabilisation work involving explosives.