Two lanes of traffic have been restored this afternoon at the site of a slip on State Highway 7, near Lewis Pass, after a month of roading restrictions.

A slip last month near Roirdan Creek Bridge reduced the highway down to one lane with traffic signals and a 30km/h speed restriction. A series of full overnight closures between Hanmer Springs and Springs Junction were also applied, due to the risk of further rocks and debris falling onto the road.

During this period of restrictions, roading crews have been able to clear loose rock and vegetation that could pose a further slip hazard. A bund at the site has been reshaped to enable the operation of both lanes.

Two lanes of traffic have recently begun operating again at the slip site, with a temporary 30km/h speed restriction (compared to the usual 80km/h).

Monitoring and some further clearance activities will continue at the site. New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi will work with roading contractors and geotechnical experts on longer term solutions to manage the risk of future slips in the area.

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