The closure of State Highway 6 in Otago has been expanded to include the West Coast due to flooding and landslides.
At approximately 2:30pm, the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) announced that the section of highway between Makarora and Lake Hāwea had been shut down because a landslide had blocked both lanes.
This landslide occurred near Flaxmill Creek Bridge, prompting crews to be dispatched for clearance. However, by 4:15pm, NZTA updated that the closure was extended to include the road stretch from Makarora to Haast due to additional flooding and landslides.
NZTA advised motorists to postpone travel or find alternative routes, while also cautioning about surface flooding on open sections of SH6 on the West Coast.
The closure coincides with severe weather affecting much of the country, with ongoing downpours anticipated in Westland, south of Hokitika, for the remainder of the day.
MetService has issued an orange heavy rain warning for the region until 10pm, forecasting up to 150mm of additional rainfall with possible thunderstorms.
SH6 to Close Further North
In addition, NZTA announced the closure of another part of State Highway 6 at the northern end of the South Island.
The agency warned that access between Blenheim and Nelson would be shut down tonight due to anticipated flooding.
According to Mark Owen, NZTA Regional Manager for the Lower North Island and Top of the South, data on weather and hydrology indicated expected flooding near Canvastown.
“We have decided to close the highway between Dalton’s Bridge (Canvastown) and Pelorus Bridge from 6pm tonight. It will reopen when it is safe to do so,” Owen stated.
He emphasized, “This is first and foremost about keeping people safe. Flooded roads after dark are a significant danger. It is essential drivers respect the road closure and do not breach it.”
There will be soft closures at Havelock and Rai Valley, allowing residents to travel beyond these points. However, other drivers intending to travel between Blenheim and Nelson must use the SH63 Wairau Valley detour, which is longer and requires additional travel time, as informed by NZTA.
– Allied Media/RNZ
