Arthur’s Pass and Haast Pass re-open

Both Arthur’s Pass and Haast Pass have re-opened this morning (Monday 26 May).

Haast Pass re-opened at 10am after State Highway 6, from Haast township to Makarora, was cleared of snow and the stability of the slip at Diana Falls was checked after three days of rain, wind and snow in the area.

The NZ Transport Agency’s Senior Network Manager Mark Pinner says at Arthur’s Pass, where a massive slip about 1km west of the Otira township on State Highway 73 closed the road on Friday, single-lane access was opened up through at area at midday.

“Our contractors spent much of yesterday widening the highway at the foot of the slip to create a temporary single-lane carriageway. Traffic through the slip area is being controlled and there is a 30km/h speed restriction.

“It is possible we may need to close the highway again overnight, depending on this afternoon’s inspection of the slip face and weather conditions in the area.”

He says a decision on the night-time closure will be made about 4pm.

It is hoped to restore two-lane access through the slip area later this week.

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