Two return convoys have managed to get through Haast Pass on Tuesday as Waka Kotahi opened a single lane on the vital storm damaged route along State Highway 6.
Muddy Creek Bridge north of Makarora was buried in a massive slip in last week's extreme weather with debris initially piled four metres high.
The road is a vital tourist route linking Haast, Fox Glacier and Franz Josef to Wanaka and Queenstown.
Escorted convoys of light vehicles were allowed to drive a single lane along the route at midday and 4.30pm.
A restricted work space at Muddy Creek for excavators, loaders, trucks. Photo: Waka Kotahi
In a statement, Waka Kotahi Southland and Otago system manager Robert Choveaux said from Wednesday vehicles weighing more than five tonnes (for example buses) would also be able to join the convoys.
"We are pleased that testing of the bridge this afternoon has given us confidence to allow heavier, permitted vehicles back on the Muddy Creek bridge as of tomorrow at the allocated convoy times," he said.
Waka Kotahi says there are two excavators, two loaders, five trucks and a bulldozer working in confined and challenging spaces to get the job done as quickly as possible.
Development West Coast chief executive Heath Milne said only having two convoys a day with only light vehicles has been disruptive.
"I think having only light vehicles has been a bit of an issue because you know vital supplies haven't been able to get through and you know the stocks have been running low in a lot of areas."
But the issue should ease since Waka Kotahi would be letting large vehicles through in the convoys from Wednesday, he said.
Some people have cancelled their travel plans as a result of the disruptions, he said.
"I'm hoping that that will be restricted and that problem will stop now that we know that ... at least you can get through and Waka Kotahi are working hard to get that completely open."
The Muddy Creek convoy underway at midday on Tuesday with work underway in the creek and temporary earth bund on the bridge where there is no barrier. Photo: Waka Kotahi
Waka Kotahi is aware that the Haast Whitebait Festival is scheduled for this weekend and Milne said he was hopeful that would go ahead.
"We're grateful that it all happened last weekend and not this weekend cause that's when the big event happens."
People would need to base their travel plans around the Waka Kotahi guided convoys which take place at 8am, midday and 4.30pm, he said.
"It may put some people off but I think you know the attraction of that festival, people who are planning on going they should still go because you know it'll be a great event."
Waka Kotahi said the convoys would mean people could get into Haast from Otago and back out again on the weekend, weather and conditions permitting.
