Clearance work underway on Milford Road slip

NZ Transport Agency contractors have begun clearing debris from the major landslide which came down on the Milford Road overnight Friday.

Work to clear debris including rocks as large as 200 tonnes covering 200m of the road began early this morning, following geotechnical assessments of the site yesterday.

NZTA Southern Area Manager Peter Robinson says the work will be carried out as quickly as possible, and the site will be closely monitored to ensure the safety of workers. Mr Robinson said at this stage the agency was aiming to re-open the road to a single lane by this Wednesday.

Mr Robinson said the length of the closure and the timing for a full re-opening to two lanes would depend on how quickly contractors are able to break the large rocks apart and remove them.

"Some of the large boulders are estimated to be in the vicinity of 200 tonnes and it appears that the seal under the rocks has been damaged. The road will be re-opened as soon as the debris can be cleared and the NZTA can be confident that the road is safe for travellers to use."

Mr Robinson thanked people for their patience, and said a further update would be provided on Monday morning.

ENDS