20 Jul 2022 | 02:45 AM UTC
New Zealand: Landslide closes State Highway 6 on South Island as of July 20
Authorities responding to landslide on State Highway 6 near Murchison, South Island, New Zealand, July 20. Use alternative routes.
Event
Authorities are working to clear a rockslide that occurred on State Highway 6, west of Murchison, Tasman Region, July 20. Officials have closed the highway between State Highway 65 and Hinehaka Road, severing the main link between West Coast and Nelson. However, officials will likely clear the debris and reopen the highway in the coming hours.
An increased security presence is likely near the accident site until clearance work concludes. Traffic disruptions are occurring, and authorities have advised motorists to avoid the area. Drivers traveling between the west coast and Nelson must use State Highway 1, extending travel times by at least an hour. Increased congestion on the alternative route is possible. Lingering traffic delays may occur after the highway reopens.
The incident site is approximately 90 km (56 miles) south-southwest of Nelson.
Advice
Avoid the area until officials clear the scene. Confirm traffic conditions on alternative routes before driving or routing shipments; allow additional time to reach destinations.
