10 Dec 2016

Blocked New Caledonia road open again

12:01 pm on 10 December 2016

French authorities in New Caledonia say the main road near St Louis, south of Noumea, which had been blocked, is now open.

It was blocked on Friday night amid a confrontation with young people who were reportedly drunk.

The road is the only access to the main island's south.

Police officers guard the road in Mont-Dore, to the south of New Caledonia's capital, Noumea. The road is frequently closed by armed protesters.

Police officers guard the road in Mont-Dore, to the south of New Caledonia's capital, Noumea. The road is frequently closed by armed protesters. Photo: AFP

There have been problems along the same stretch of road for several weeks with gunmen injuring five policemen in the worst of clashes.

Dozens of stolen cars have also been dumped and set alight.

In the past week, five people have been arrested over the unrest.

The repeated roadblocks and the lack of security have led to calls to build another road to avoid the St Louis area.