A key route in and out of Kaikōura is set to reopen after being closed last week amid wild weather in the region.
State Highway 1 south of Kaikōura was closed last week because of severe weather that, at one point, left almost half of the two-lane road washed out.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) said, subject to any further slips or safety concerns identified by experts, the section of SH1 between Cheviot and Kaikōura will be open to all traffic types from 12pm Wednesday.
The road will operate with a single lane on a reduced speed limit and ‘stop/go’ traffic management 24/7 where the floodwaters have eaten away chunks of the road.
Traffic management is likely to stay in place for several weeks while the full width of the highway is reinstated.
Rocks and debris that had fallen onto SH1 from the hillside have been cleared.
Geotechnical engineers are providing advice on any potential land movement or risks that may require further action.
On Friday, a new slip came down over a restricted area of the road near Kaikōura, complicating efforts to get the main route back open.
When the highway is reopened, NZTA said people are asked to travel with care and to respect the traffic management requirements that will be in place.
The inland Route 70/Inland Kaikōura Road to the west of Kaikōura remains closed.
A detour route via State Highways 7, 65, 6 and 63 is still available.