State Highway 6 closed by slip at Fox River bridge

Thursday, 24 December 2020

State Highway 6 was closed on Wednesday night after heavy rain caused rocks and trees to come down over the road near Fox River.

The West Coast's coastal highway will remain closed until at least 5pm after heavy rain caused a slip.

Waha Kotahi/NZ Transport Agency said State Highway 6 was closed north of Fox River after rocks and trees came down over the road about 11.30pm on Wednesday.

NZTA senior network manager Colin Hey said contractors were clearing the material and aimed to get a single lane open by 5pm on Thursday.

“In the meantime, drivers should use SH6, 69 and 7 from Westport south through Inangahua and Reefton to Greymouth and the reverse going the other way,” he said.

The detour, via the Buller Gorge, added at least 30 minutes to the journey between Greymouth and Westport.

“Thanks to everyone for taking their time on the Reefton highway, which will have more traffic until we get SH6 reopened.”

A few showers were forecast on the West Coast on Thursday, but they were expected to ease by the evening.

Showers were also expected in Christchurch on Thursday, along with westerly breezes and a high of 21 degrees Celsius.