Bad weather has brought down trees and caused rockfalls on the Whangamoa Hill. It means State Highway 6 will be closed between Rai Valley and Hira overnight.

Gale force winds and darkness mean it is too dangerous for contractors to clear the road tonight.

It may take some time tomorrow for the road to be cleared. Waka Kotahi will update the Highway’s status by midday Tuesday, 9 August.

The closure means there is no direct route between Nelson and Blenheim. Road users should delay non-essential travel or use the only alternative route.

For people travelling from Blenheim, it is State Highway 63, Wairau Valley to Kawatiri Junction and State Highway 6 to Nelson. For people travelling from Nelson to Blenheim, it is the reverse.

This is a significant detour and will mean much longer travel times.

Weather conditions in the upper South Island are challenging, and drivers are urged to exercise extreme caution on the roads.

Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with:

• Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic
• Facebook: facebook.com/NZTASouthIsland
• Twitter Top of the South: twitter.com/WakaKotahiTOTS
• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)

We have a vision of zero deaths and serious injuries on New Zealand roads. Learn more about:

• Road to Zero – our plan to achieve this vision
• Our vision – video explaining Road to Zero and what we’re trying to achieve
• What Waka Kotahi is doing to support Road to Zero

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