Roads connecting Nelson and Blenheim stay closed as full picture of damage unfolds
Monday, 22 August 2022
The full extent of damage to the State Highway network around Te Tauihu (the top of the south) is still unknown as workers picking their way through the debris.
The atmospheric river of rain that poured over the city for four days covered state highways across Nelson-Marlborough with flooding, slips and debris.
The deluge shut SH6, the main arterial route from Nelson to Blenheim, and the alternative route via SH63 also closed.
On Monday, Waka Kotahi acting national manager, maintenance and operations, Mark Owen said it could take up to a week for of those routes to open as the extent of the damage was still unknown.
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SH6 is also closed at Rocks Rd in central Nelson, causing traffic through the city to choke up on Monday as it funnelled through the alternate route on Waimea Rd.
And further afield, roads through the Marlborough Sounds that were still damaged from the July 2021 storm have been further hit, and SH60 from Tākaka to Collingwood in Golden bay is also badly damaged with heavy vehicles unable to pass.
Owen said it was one of the worst weather events to hit the top of the south.
“It’s been a significant event over a widespread area … our highways have taken a significant impact which is why they’re still closed.”
Getting a route between Blenheim and Nelson open was an “absolute priority”, but it how long it took would depend on the level of damage, he said.
The usual alternative to SH6 was SH63, via St Arnaud, but parts of that route were still underwater.
“When it drops away we have to assess the damage underneath.”
The approach to Branch Bridge had also washed away, though once they could access the area the repair should be “reasonably quick”, he said.
Meanwhile, SH6 had “lots of slips” as well as logging slash covering the road. The slips would have to be cleared to understand the damage to the road underneath, he said.
It was hard to put a timeframe on getting the roads open, as it would come down to the scale and nature of the repairs needed.
“It really depends on once we have done the full assessment to how big and how bad … then we’ll have a better idea of how many significant areas we have.”
Crews were working from each end, he said.
“We’re hoping that by tomorrow (Tuesday) we’ll have a better idea of what things are looking like, and we may be able to put some times on things.”
They were confident at least one route from Nelson to Blenheim would be restored “within the next few days to a week”.
But, with more wet weather coming the situation could change again, Owen warned.
“Even a small amount of rain now could really exacerbate the damage.”
In the Marlborough Sounds many roads still being repaired after the July 2021 storm had been hit again, and repairs would take some time.
Rocks Rd in Nelson was also a concern and could not reopen until geotechs gave the OK about the slope stability. Even then, it could be down to one lane or have speed restrictions.
“Once they’re comfortable around the safety risks then we’re confident we can reopen.”
Owen urged people to think twice before travelling in their car.
Emergency management minister Kieran McAnulty was in Nelson on Monday morning with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
He told media the priority was getting a full picture of the damage.
“It needs to be safe to do the work.”
Ardern said getting a route between Nelson and Blenheim was a priority.
“Once Waka Kotahi is able to gain safe access and make all the assessments they need, they can move quickly.”
The roading network in Marlborough was a particular concern, she said.
“No matter what we will be there alongside their local leaders.”