Following a slip at Rocky Point, on the West Coast side of State Highway 73, the area has been restored to the usual 100km/h speed limit.

A reduced speed limit had been in place, and previously stop/go traffic management, after the slip occurred at the site 3km west of Jacksons, following heavy rain. People should still drive with care through the area.

Meanwhile, part of State Highway 7 between Reefton and Springs Junction, remains under a priority give way following a prior closure due to flooding. 

There is also stop/go traffic management and a 30km/h temporary speed restriction in place at Ben Creek, on State Highway 6 near the Upper Buller Gorge, after a washout. Road users are advised to expect delays.

19 October – Both lanes of SH73 open again after slip

Both lanes at Rocky Point, on the West Coast side of State Highway 73, are open again after a slip. A 30 km/h temporary speed restriction is now in place at the site, about 3km west of the settlement of Jacksons. 

Road users are asked to continue taking extra care along this route.

A further assessment of the measures at the site is expected later today.

18 October – SH73 restriction after fresh slip

A further slip at Rocky Point, on the West Coast side of State Highway 73, is blocking a lane of traffic and requiring stop/go traffic management. 

The slip (pictured below), about 3km west of the settlement of Jacksons, follows a previous slip last weekend. Road users are asked to take extra care when driving through this area.  

Heavy rain was forecast by MetService for much of the South Island today, in addition to potentially gale force winds

Stay up to date with the latest state highway conditions at our Journey Planner site.

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