Arundel still only route across river

Travel across the flood-ravaged Rangitata River remains restricted to the bridge near Arundel on Route 72.

State Highway 1 at Rangitata remained closed with no news of when it will reopen.

NZ Transport Agency spokesperson Frances Adank said the closure was to allow floodwaters to subside and for essential repairs to be completed to the bridge’s approaches.

‘‘Due to the closure of State Highway 1 at Rangitata, there are considerable delays heading through Geraldine (SH79) and Arundel (Route 72).

Timaru Civil Defence spokesman Stephen Doran said a diverted route down the unsealed Arundel-Belfield Rd had proven successful in alleviating some of the congestion pressure, and remains in place.

‘‘Road users should add extra time to their travel until SH1 is able to reopen,’’ he said.

Delays won’t end there for travellers using the route between Timaru and Christchurch as the NZTA announced yesterday the Rakaia River bridge – New Zealand’s longest at 1.7 kilometres – is about to undergo repairs.

‘‘As well as fixing damage to the side panels from crashes, other repairs to the bridge will be completed before the summer peak traffic period,’’ said Barry Stratton, maintenance contract manager for NZTA in Canterbury.

The work will include repairs to an expansion joint which can only occur in the warmer months and when there are low numbers of vehicles on the bridge; asphalt surfacing on the bridge and smoothing repairs at the bridge north abutment.

Work will be undertaken at night to minimise disruptions, starting at 8pm on Saturday 8pm until 6am and then Sunday, Monday and Tuesday from 10pm until 6am.

JOHN BISSET/STUFF Kingi King, of Fulton Hogan, removes flood debris piled up under the bridge over the Rangitata River at Arundel.

JOHN BISSET/STUFF Above left: The south branch of the Rangitata River floods paddocks and Old Main South Rd. Above right: Flooding over SH1 at Rangitata.