Trucks get green light for reopened SH1
Trucks will be allowed on the soonto-be reopened State Highway 1 between Picton and Christchurch.
The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) said on Tuesday most larger freight vehicles would be able to use the highway despite ongoing roadworks, including unsealed surfaces, lane closures, speed restrictions and stop/go traffic controls at remaining works sites along the route.
However, oversized vehicles would not be able to use the highway due to the width of some tunnels, NZTA said.
NZTA earthquake recovery manager Tim Crow said the alternate route from Picton to Christchurch via Lewis Pass would still be used by freight operators.
‘‘Many freight operators have told us they will continue to use the alternate route for the next few months due to the road’s reliable journey time and its 24/7 operation.
‘‘That will help ease demand for SH1 over the summer when we have a lot of international and domestic visitors,’’ Crow said.
NZ Trucking association chief executive David Boyce said the road’s opening hours would restrict many freight vehicles.
‘‘They will probably continue to use the alternate route, you need certainty with time in the freight business.
‘‘It will be open during the day and a lot of freight operates overnight so you would find them on the alternate route.’’
Boyce also believed the low risk of delays on the inland route would mean freight operators would avoid the coastal highway.
‘‘I suppose if you get vehicles off the alternate route it will be great for trucks. In freight, you would need time certainty and the alternate route offers that while the other one doesn’t.
‘‘I think you will find a lot of trucks going there will be servicing the area,’’ Boyce said.
Once the route reopens, two sections of State Highway 1 would remain closed overnight as a safety precaution.
The night closure on the highway would be between Clarence and Mangamaunu north of Kaiko¯ura and between Goose Bay and Peketa, south of Kaiko¯ura.
The daytime opening hours for these sections would be 7am to 8.30pm.
Trucks will be unable to stop in these sections during the day as there are no stopping areas.
The quake-ravaged State Highway 1 from Picton to Christchurch is scheduled to reopen on December 15.