The Akaroa highway between Birdlings Flat and Little River, SH75, will reopen at 1.30 pm today to all traffic, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).

The stretch of highway into Little River closed late Wednesday night as torrential rain saw Lake Forsyth/ Te Roto o Waiwera overflow onto the road.

“Hazards like flooding at the side of the highway and slips will be sign-posted, with work done to clear these this morning, but please drive with extra caution this weekend and into next week,” says Mark Pinner, System Manager for NZTA in the Central South Island. Crews spent time this morning getting signs up, clearing fallen trees and slips.

“Over the next few weeks, the clean-up will be underway, including repairing any surfacing issues as a result of the extended inundation. Thanks to all drivers for taking a bit more care in coming days as our crews get the highway restored for winter.”

Elsewhere in Canterbury

• Stop/Go remains in place south of Kaikōura, SH1, at the site of the dropout caused by coastal erosion.
• Stop/Go may at times be needed to deal with potholes on SH1 around Tinwald, Mid Canterbury.
• Check before you set out: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions
• Winter driving tips: https://nzta.govt.nz/safety/driving-safely/driving-to-the-conditions/winter-driving

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