The ‘Kaikoura emergency access road’, also known as the inland route 70, remains closed to private traffic, and is currently suitable for emergency and critical support services only.

A NZ Defence Force (NZDF) military convoy of 28 vehicles travelled over the Kaikoura Emergency Access Road today and has arrived in Kaikoura carrying essential supplies. The NZDF is establishing a facility to support its ongoing operations in Kaikoura.

The emergency access road is being controlled by the Controller of Civil Defence Emergency Management Canterbury. This is due to the high-risk conditions and to ensure the road is used to deliver critical supplies to Kaikoura.

Work is continuing with the aim of restoring a safe and publicly accessible route. While significant progress has been made by the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) and local contractors, poor weather earlier this week has made conditions even more challenging. The route remains high risk and unsuitable for public access.

A further assessment will be made early next week and we will notify the public as soon as we believe public access can be safely restored.

ENDS

© Scoop Media