Following the Magnitude 7.8 earthquake on 14 November State Highway 1 at Kaikoura has been closed to all traffic due to substantial slips and road damage. The main route between Christchurch and Picton is via State Highways 7, 65, 6 and 63. Given the damage to State highway 1 this is likely to remain the main route for several months at least. Here is some general information for motorists including heavy vehicle operators.
- Drivers should expect this journey to take on average 7.5 hours, however as there is currently four times the usual amount of traffic on this route, delays are possible.
- This road is narrow in many places with fewer passing lanes than State highway 1. There is also likely to be a large number of drivers unfamiliar with the route, including tourist drivers.
- The NZ Transport Agency is asking all drivers using this alternate route to please be patient and show consideration for all other road users.
- Fuel, food and toilets are available along this route at Culverden, Springs Junction, Murchison and St Arnaud.
- The Police have advised that they will increase the number of patrols along this route and will be enforcing speed limits to ensure safety.
- The Transport Agency is looking at a range of short-term measures to help improve the journey time and safety along this route.
- With a large number of aftershocks continuing to affect the area drivers should ensure they have the latest information, available from our website www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic, email EQSHRoadInfo@nzta.govt.nz or call 0800 44 44 49 – 0800 4 highways
Freight-specific Information for operators and drivers
- All 50MAX vehicles and HPMVs that were permitted for State highway 1 are able to use the alternative route.
- These vehicles can travel on SH7 to Springs Junction, on SH65 to Murchison and SH6 to Nelson or turn off at Kawatiri onto SH63 to Renwick, onto SH6 and into Rapaura Road (SH62) to join SH1 to Picton at Spring Creek. Freight vehicles are asked to not travel via SH6 through Woodbourne and into Blenheim to join SH1.
- The Christchurch to Picton journey will take at least 3 hours longer so drivers need to ensure they are well rested before they start, take plenty of breaks and allow for the additional time when planning their schedule.
- Drivers need to abide by their work-time and logbook requirements when using the alternative route.
- We are working through the implications of overweight and overdimension vehicles using this route and more information will be available in due course.
- If you have any specific queries regarding route access, please contact the Permitting team on 0800 699 000 or email applyhpmv@nzta.govt.nz.