Key Kaikōura road to reopen for long weekend

3:13 pm on 31 May 2017

State Highway 1 south of Kaikōura is scheduled to reopen for all traffic on Friday, in time for the long weekend.

The slip on State Highway 1, south of Kaikoura, which came down in heavy rain on 5 April 2017.

The slip on State Highway 1, south of Kaikōura, which came down in heavy rain in April. Photo: NZ Transport Agency

Transport Minister Simon Bridges said road crews had been working hard to reopen the route after a major slip at Easter.

The road and rail line had been temporarily realigned for 300m so the route could be opened, and also to allow trains to carry materials further up the line to assist with the broader recovery effort, he said.

"During this time local residents have been particularly patient and understanding for what is a major construction operation," Mr Bridges said.

The road would be open to all vehicles during daylight hours (7am to 6pm).

Mr Bridges said some additional short-term closures would be needed in the future as work continued for the permanent road to be fully repaired.