ROAD OPEN 8AM SATURDAY 23 JULY

Dellows Bluff west of Murchison ROAD OPEN 8AM SATURDAY 23 JULY. Photo thanks to Tasman District Council

TASMAN DISTRICT COUNCIL have advised this afternoon the 22 July that:

Waka Kotahi has advised that following extensive safety work, State Highway 6 at Dellows Bluff west of Murchison will reopen by 8am tomorrow (Saturday 23 July).

The road was closed following a major rockfall early on Wednesday morning. Initial indications are that tree roots and water ingress into the fractured cliff face caused the massive boulders to fall. This has left further fractured rocks overhanging the cliff face at risk of falling onto the road.

Temporary protection will be in place that will allow people to use the road safely. Contractors have been building a stone-filled container wall in the northbound lane to protect the existing road shoulder. This means all traffic will be able to move through the section of road while work continues to stabilise the rockface.

On July 20 the Dellows Bluff section of State Highway 6 west of Murchison was closed. Photo thanks to Tasman District Council.

A permanent fix for the rockfall risk will take some time to complete, meaning only a single lane will be available initially. However, the intention is to get two lanes open as soon as possible.

If you have any further questions, reach out to Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency - South Island.

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