Traffic remains down to one lane at the site of a major slip in the Kawarau Gorge, as crews work to stabilise the hillside and restore full access on State Highway 6.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) said portable traffic lights are still being used at the “Tunnel Slip” site, though they are no longer required overnight. 

A temporary 50km/h speed limit remains in place.

The slip - one of several that have affected the gorge in recent weeks - was caused in part by a tunnel built into the hillside above the road, which has been acting like a drain and saturating loose

material.

“More will be known as the loose material is removed,” NZTA maintenance contract manager for Central Otago Peter Standring said in response to questions from The Central App.

Crews are working to redirect the water source and remove unstable rock and gravel, with up to 6000 cubic metres expected to come down before the area is fully stabilised.

Ledges are also being added to capture any future falls.

Some 6000 cubic metres of unstable rock and gravel is expected to come down before the slip is stabilised. Image: The Central App

Peter said work is still in the emergency response phase but is expected to be completed “in the next week or so” before moving into a recovery phase focused on reducing the risk of future slips.

“There is always a risk of further slips in this type of terrain,” Peter said.

“But we are focusing on reducing that risk as much as possible. The aim is to leave a site like this in a state where it is easier to maintain and less likely to impact on the road below.” 

Fulton Hogan is leading the response, and the overall cost is yet to be confirmed.

Elsewhere in the gorge, planned work at Scrubby Corner has been completed, and crews continue to manage smaller slips near Roaring Meg.

Read more: Extra weeks needed to finish Kawarau Gorge road stabilisation

To stay up to date on Road closures and roadworks, go to Central Road Closures under the Weather & Reports section on The Central App.

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