Inland Kaikoura route to open

The inland route to Kaikoura will open to the public on Monday, unless a major aftershock causes further damage.

It will be the first time since November’s magnitude-7.8 earthquake that the road from Waiau to Kaikoura has opened to unrestricted traffic.

The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) had been running a daily schedule allowing private vehicles access to the road.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges said crews had worked ‘‘relentlessly’’ over five weeks so the ‘‘severely damaged’’ highway was safe for general use.

This included clearing more than 50 slips in one area, stabilising slopes, repairing damage and building a new diversion road around the unstable Whales Back section of the road.

‘‘From the day of the earthquake our No 1 priority has been re-establishing access to Kaikoura and getting this inland route open is a major breakthrough.

‘‘The Government remains committed to reconnecting all communities in the area and getting the region back on its feet as quickly as possible and this will mark another important step in that process,’’ he said.

Speed restrictions and traffic controls would be in place.

‘‘Crews are continuing to work urgently to clear slips and stabilise slopes on State Highway 1, south of Kaikoura.

‘‘Work has also been under way on SH1 north of Kaikoura to allow access for residents and to prepare for the huge job of clearing several massive slips blocking the road,’’ Bridges said. - Fairfax NZ