Tidal surges will close SH1 Kaikoura Coast later tonight

Tidal surges that closed State highway 1 (SH1) on the Kaikoura Coast this afternoon, has prompted the Transport Agency to close the road at 11pm tonight from Kererengu North of Kaikoura and Oaro South of Kaikoura, depending on conditions it’s hoped to reopen the road at 2am.

Transport Agency Journey Manager Lee Wright says the next high tide is at 12.30amtomorrow morning, 28 May.

The two separate sections of SH1 that have caused concerns today are at Kekerengu and Mill Rd north of Kaikoura and the other at Oaro and Airport straight just south of the town.

Lee Wright says extra information check points are being established so road users have the latest information on the situation so they can make informed choicesabout their travel plans. These checkpoints will be at Waipara on SH1 in North Canterbury and Riverlands on SH 1 near Blenheim from 9.30pm.

Road side variable message signs will in place at Picton, Blenheim, Kaikoura and Waipara, to keep drivers up to date.

Ms Wright says those planning to use SH1 to Picton tonight should factor potential delays of up to three hours into their travel plans. If their journey isn’t essential, they may want to consider delaying their trip until tomorrow when this situation will have hopefully eased.

For the latest highway information go to www.highwayinfo.govt.nz or Freephone 0800 44 44 49

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