5 Jun 2014

Alpine pass back to two lanes

8:20 pm on 5 June 2014

Arthur's Pass is to re-open to two-lane traffic on Friday, a fortnight after 30,000 tonnes of debris fell onto State Highway 73.

The South Island alpine road was closed for three days when a slip covered the road with rocks and trees.

The New Zealand Transport Agency says contractors have worked tirelessly, first to quickly restore single lane access and then to clear the whole road.

However, it is warns that motorists will still need to take care in the area as forecast heavy rain could wash more loose material off the slip face.