A new 30-minute access window from 12pm to 12.30pm Monday to Saturday will start this Thursday 21 August for all vehicles on Northbank Road.

The change follows the June/July weather event which caused damage across Marlborough on local roads from the Awatere in the south to French Pass to the north. Northbank and Port Underwood roads were hit particularly hard.

On Northbank Road, 2km from the start of the road, a slip estimated to be around 3,000 sq metre came down, closing the road. Repair work is ongoing.

Marlborough Roads have advised that, with work on the slip proceeding to plan, the ground is now more stable and the risk of rockfall has diminished sufficiently so this additional opening time is now possible. The change at this point will also not have any impact on the overall timeframe for works being completed.

There will be no change to the road opening and closing times until Thursday including the current Wednesday opening between 12pm and 1pm.

There is some risk remaining, however, and in the event of any large rockfalls or heavy rain, this additional access will need to be reassessed. If the road is deemed unsafe at any time, the road will be closed and an update sent via Antenno and Council’s website.

Northbank Road is still under lights with two-minute delays. Road users are advised to either enter or exit this area between 12pm and 12.30pm as late arrivals to the lights will not be allowed through – there will be no exceptions.

Council and Marlborough Roads will review this in two weeks’ time.

Updates on any change to road opening or closing times will be sent via Antenno and Council’s website.

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