West Coast highway closes after Buller River reaches flood level

Thursday, 30 May 2019

Inangahua Junction, on the West Coast, where the road has closed on Thursday night due to flooding.

A state highway has closed after a West Coast river reached its alarm level.

NZ Transport Agency West Coast maintenance contract manager Moira Whinham said on Thursday the Buller River had reached its alarm point of 8.4 metres at Te Kuha – a village east of Westport.

At 8.8 metres the river floods the road, forcing State Highway 6 at Inangahua Junction to close about 6.20pm.

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A detour was available via Browns Creek Rd. Earlier, the detour was blocked due to fallen trees but reopened about 7.40pm.

Whinham said both Murchison to Westport (SH6) or Reefton to Murchison (SH69 and 6) should be avoided.

The alternate route to Nelson is via Reefton and Springs Junction (SH7 & SH65).

Motorists can drive to Westport from Greymouth via the Coast Rd (SH6).

Emergency services were called to reports of a car in a river about 5.30pm at Inangahua Junction, where the Inangahua and Buller rivers meet.

A police spokeswoman said there was no immediate danger to those inside. The car was towed out by another vehicle before emergency services arrived.

Flood warnings were in place for SH6 from Ross to Hawea and SH73 from Otira to Jacksons. Drivers were advised to slow down.

There were also strong wind warnings on SH73 from Arthur's Pass to Otira and on SH7 from Hanmer Turnoff to Springs Junction on the Lewis Pass.

Caravans, campervans, high-sided vehicles and motorbikes needed to take extra care.