Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Highway to Nelson has reopened

Contractors' hard work saw the road between Blenheim and Nelson open to traffic last night.

Machinery and workers yesterday cleared massive slips caused by heavy rain and collapsing hillsides on Tuesday. Diggers were used on both sides of a major slip east of Canvastown on State Highway 6.

The slip was mostly mud and fallen trees. Rapid run-off from the hills overwhelmed culverts blocked with storm debris, forcing water onto the road.

On the Canvastown side of Havelock, contractors cleared forestry logs that slid down the hill. Cars were backed up on either side of the roadworks as only one lane was open. Marlborough Lines staff were circling the area in a helicopter surveying damage to power lines, fixing the faults they could and isolating and reporting others.

State Highway 6 from Havelock to Nelson is open. From Havelock to Canvastown is one lane only, with delays of up to 30 minutes.

Wakamarina Rd is partially open, but the upper reach remains closed.

Kenepuru Rd is open, but one lane only from Follys culvert to Portage, suitable for light vehicles only.

Port Underwood Rd and Queen Charlotte Drive are open.

The sealed section of the Northbank Rd is passable, but is one lane and the unsealed section is 4WD only. Tuanakino, Kotuku, Top Valley, Jacks Point and Wairau Bar roads are closed at various points, but were expected to open today.

Last night, Havelock power was restored and water supply and sewage pumps are now running.

Power is back on in most of the Kenepuru and Manaroa was expected to be back on line yesterday evening.

The SH 6 line between Twidles Island and Hills Rd is on line, allowing dairy farmers to continue milking.

French Pass, Elaine Bay, Penzance Bay and Duncan Bay lines are still out, but the power should be back on by tonight.

The top of Wakamarina is also without power, but lines will be relivened once road access is restored.

SIMON WONG AND PENNY WARDLE - The Marlborough Express
Last updated 12:00 30/12/2010


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