Residents granted access to Kaikōura Emergency Access Route (Inland Road)

24 November – 6.30am

MEDIA ADVISORY

Mt Lyford residents have been granted conditional access to the Kaikōura Emergency Access Route (Inland Road). They were advised of this at a Waiau community meeting yesterday evening.

Group controller Neville Reilly says travel will not be escorted by contractors so residents must take great care in light of the high risk of landslips and hazardous road conditions on the route.

“This is a major milestone on the road to recovery for this community,” Mr Reilly said. “Making this road safe for residents to access their properties has been a major focus since the 7.8 magnitude earthquake on 14 November put the road under controlled access for public safety.

“This is the result of a joint effort between the Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management Group, the Hurunui and Kaikōura District Councils’ Civil Defence and their Mayors, and the NZ Transport Agency, who have all worked tirelessly alongside this community under very trying circumstances to achieve this outcome.

“The wait for uncontrolled access for residents has been frustrating for everyone, but safety has been paramount in all our decision making. We want to thank the Hurunui community for their patience and understanding as we have worked together with their Mayor and District Council through the unprecedented complexities of managing this situation,” Mr Reilly said.

Due to continued aftershocks and changing weather conditions, this access is subject to change. Geotechnical engineers are continually assessing the route to check the safety of the road and surrounding landslip damage.

With the exception of Mt Lyford residents, military supply convoys, and escorted trips for deliveries of essential supplies including farm support, the Kaikōura Emergency Access Route (Inland Road) remains closed to the public to facilitate safe engineering assessments and ongoing repairs.

The road has been divided into two areas based on risk:

Area 1 – Waiau checkpoint to Mt Lyford

• This is lower risk.
• This checkpoint will be controlled by the Hurunui District Council to enable them to manage access for their residents.
• 4WD vehicle is preferred. Some sections will be difficult with a low clearance vehicle/2WD.

Area 2 – Mt Lyford turn off onwards

• This area is high risk due to road and river conditions and possible landslides.
• A 4WD is essential.
• Access is limited to residents of the Inland Road and their essential services as well as emergency supplies to Kaikōura.
• There are multiple work sites with control measures. Delays on the route are possible.
• Residents are strongly encouraged to minimise stopping unless directed by road maintenance contractors.

All road users

• Only heavy vehicles to Class One can use the Inland Road.
• No towing is allowed.
• Check on your insurance status due to the road closure.
• Travel only during daylight hours.
• Carry emergency supplies due to risk of changes to road conditions. Conditions may change at any time.

To facilitate traffic movements and ongoing road works where possible we request all road users to move in the following directions on the Kaikōura Emergency Access Route:

• Morning – Northbound
• Afternoon - Southbound

Map: Inland Road Checkpoints and Areas

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