The main highway connecting the West Coast to Christchurch will remain closed due to a slip yesterday near Arthur's Pass.
A rock slip above the western end of the rock shelter on the Otira gorge. Photo: Supplied / Waka Kotahi
Rocks from a new slip above the western end of the rock shelter on the Otira gorge closed the road mid-afternoon and overnight.
Waka Kotahi is using a helicopter to sluice loose stone from the slopes above Arthur's Pass / Otira gorge today but says a lot of rock is continuing to come down and posing a threat.
It says continued heavy rain is also making the job more challenging.
Scree and boulders from the steep slope above the shelter continued to fall with the rain, blocking the lower end of the road, Waka Kotahi said.
The next update on the highway's status will be about 10am Wednesday 20 October.
Motorists are asked to use Lewis Pass in the meantime.
UPDATE: TUES 19 OCT, 1:10 PM
— Waka Kotahi NZTA Canterbury & West Coast (@WakaKotahiCWC) October 19, 2021
SH73 remains CLOSED between Arthur's Pass and Otira due to rocks falling in the area of the rock shelter will now stay CLOSED overnight. The next update on this closure is now expected at 10 am Wednesday 20 October. ^JP https://t.co/pIWnJEZR4K
