12 Sep 2016

Great Coast Road remains closed by huge slip

7:27 am on 12 September 2016

The coastal road along the West Coast between Greymouth and Westport remains closed today after a massive slip yesterday.

The slip has completely blocked the road at Meybille Bay, north of Punakaiki.

The NZ Transport Agency said the area had been prone to slips in the past.

An initial slip closed one lane yesterday morning, but more material gave way at about 3pm, closing the road completely.

NZTA said the coastal road would stay closed until further notice.

Drivers in the area have been told to take the inland State Highway 7 route, through Reefton.

Road blocks are in place south of Westport, at the intersection of State Highways 6 and 7, and Rapahoe, just north of Greymouth.

The area where the road is blocked.

The area where the road is blocked. Photo: NZTA