MEDIA RELEASE

26 January 2017 | SOUTHERN REGION

Update on Otira Gorge road access, State Highway 73

The reopening of State Highway 73 through the lower Otira Gorge and past the large Deception Point slip has gone well for the past three days, says NZ Transport Agency Journey Manager Lee Wright. “Drivers have been patient, driving cautiously and glad to get the route reopened, albeit with delays.”

Traffic is being allowed through the key West Coast-Canterbury alpine pass at the top of each hour between 8 am and 7 pm this week.

The aim is to reopen to two lanes with fewer delays tomorrow, Friday, around or soon after lunchtime.

“The aim is by Friday afternoon, 27 January, to have two lanes open, although this will be weather dependent. Once we have the two lanes open, the restriction to daylight hours will be lifted also,” says Ms Wright.

“There will be some delays over the next couple of weeks as we complete the work so thanks to all drivers for taking care and slowing down around our crews.”

• KIWI RAIL update here from 25 January.

• TVNZ coverage of the opening day: Arthur's Pass welcomes first traffic after huge landslip.

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