Arthur’s Pass re-opens to two-lane traffic

Arthur’s Pass will re-open to two-lane traffic tomorrow (Friday 6 June), two weeks after 30,000 tonnes of rock and material fell onto State Highway 73, closing the road for three days.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Senior Network Manager Mark Pinner says about 5000 tonnes of rock remained to be removed from the site this morning and work was well underway to complete the bund being built at the base of the slip by the end oftomorrow.

“Our contractors have worked tirelessly at the site, first to get the road re-opened to single-lane access within three days of the slip by widening the highway at the foot of the slip to create a temporary single-lane carriageway, and then to clear the site.

“At the same time, the contractors have been terracing back the slip face and building a bund at the base of the slip to help prevent rock falling on the road and improve safety through the area.”

Mr Pinner says much of the rock removed from the site is being used at Kelly’s Creek to rebuild a stop bank and taken to Sulphur Pit, near the Rock Shelter, for future use in this area.

“Motorists are asked to take extra care through the area in coming weeks, particularly during heavy rain, which may wash loose material off the slip face.

“There will also be a 50km/h speed restriction through the area as the westbound lane will remain unsealed in the short-term,” he says.

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