30 September 2015 | NZ Transport Agency - Southern Region

SH 73 slip at Rock Shelter, Otira Gorge, West Coast – update 4.00 pm, 30 September

The slip on the Otira Gorge, State highway 73, which closed the road between the West Coast and Canterbury today should be cleared by 6 pm with traffic reduced to one lane.

“We are aiming to have the road cleared and one lane open by 6 pm tonight, using traffic lights at Candy’s and Windy Points,” said Pete Connors, Regional Performance Manager NZ Transport Agency.

“Drivers should be aware that this will involve delays of up to ten minutes at each end. It may take some time to restore the two lanes so be prepared for delays in coming days.

“The Transport Agency’s contractors will be putting in place concrete barriers as edge protection along the 40 metres of damaged guardrail temporarily and using some of the slip material as a short term edge protection.”

The slip of vegetation and rock occurred in dry conditions early today above and next to the Rock Shelter, built to safeguard vehicles on the Otira Gorge at a place renowned for rockfall. Around 200 cubic metres of rock fell onto the road taking out the guardrail.*

Geotechnical experts inspected the site this morning by helicopter, and were able to sluice the site to clear remaining loose rock.

State highway 73 has been closed to all traffic, from Arthur’s Pass Village to Otira, since just after 8 am when it was discovered by Fulton Hogan’s crew checking the area. The Transport Agency thanks all road users for their patience today and in coming days.

For the latest information go to www.highwayinfo.govt.nz or phone 0800 4 HIGHWAYS/ 0800 44 44 49. Also check out the Transport Agency’s Facebook page

*Earlier estimate was that 100 metres of guardrail was damaged, downgraded to 40 metres.

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