An active slip has delayed the reopening of State Highway 1 over the Brynderwyn Hills “by a number of weeks”.
The road was first damaged during Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023, and has been closed since February for repairs.
NZTA Waka Kotahi said the the road was due to fully reopen by May 13.
However, due to a slip at the site where the transport agency was working, this timeline will no longer be possible.
“The slip occurred over the weekend at Kauri Tree Corner (zone F) on a slope teams were working to stabilise and there has continued to be movement in the hillside over the last couple of days, with a substantial amount of material falling today, April 30.
“NZTA is undertaking further geotechnical assessments to determine the approach for stabilising the hillside based on this new slip, under urgency, so we can continue the repair work underway to shore up the road for winter and provide resilience in the short to medium term.”
“This must be fixed before the road can safely reopen to traffic. We understand this is not the news anyone wants to hear,” NZTA national manager of infrastructure delivery Mark Kinvig said.
“Everyone wants the road opened as soon as possible, and we remain committed to completing these vital recovery works ahead of winter to ensure a safe and reliable SH1 Brynderwyn Hills as part of Cyclone Gabrielle recovery works.
“Our team is still in the early stages of assessing the best solution, and we will confirm more details as soon as we can. With the hillside still moving, safety of our team must be managed carefully.”
“We appreciate how frustrating this is for everyone impacted by the closure and our crews, who have worked so hard to keep to schedule,” Kinvig said.
The transport agency also reminded motorists to drive safely using the three detour routes, SH12/SH14, Paparoa Oakleigh Rd and Cove Rd.