A large slip on Northbank Road has closed a section of the road affecting access for residents.

The rock fall came down overnight approximately 2km from the start to the road, prior to the Onamalutu Road turn off. The road is now closed affecting access for residents on the other side.

Marlborough Roads System Manager Wayne Oldfield said this had created an inconvenience for residents in the area however the slip was still moving, and public safety was of paramount importance. “Geotechnical assessments carried out today have shown that the site is unstable. An arborist has been removing pine trees at the top of the slip and once these are removed crews will look to start clearing it.”

“It is unfortunately very unlikely that the road will open today as it is a very large slip with the added dynamic of it being unstable as well. Some residents have been able to walk through the slip on the river side under the strict supervision of Marlborough Roads. Crews are on site and clearance works will start as soon as it is safe to do so,” Mr Oldfield said.

Any residents requiring support should contact 03 579 4253 - Marlborough Roads JV Contractor.

Marlborough Roads crews continue today inspecting the network and clearing slips and debris to open roads with the latest update as follows:

• Kenepuru Road is now open for the length of the road; 4wd vehicles are recommended and heavy vehicles can travel by permit only.
• Awatere Valley Road is now open to 4wd light vehicles to Upcot Station. Crews continue to work beyond this point to regain further access.
• Port Underwood Road is still closed between Oyster Bay and Robin Hood Bay.
• Water levels have subsided and Jacksons Road, Hamerichs Road and Taylor Pass Road fords are open.
• Kaituna - Tuamarina Road is open to all traffic, road users are advised to travel with caution.
• SH63 from Waihopai Valley Road to St Arnaud remains open for resident’s essential travel only and driving with extreme caution is required.
• SH63 between Anglesea Street and Waihopai Valley Road, and Waihopai Valley Road to the Avondale Road turnoff are open, drive with caution and to the conditions.

There remain multiple local roads closed due to flooding and slips across the network.

To keep up to date with the latest information and alerts sign up to Antenno here: www.marlborough.govt.nz/services/apps/antenno

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