UPDATE: 9pm – SH73 fully passable again

Following the reopening of State Highway 73 between Otira and Arthur’s Pass, the section from Arthur’s Pass Village to Springfield affected by a mudslide is now also open to traffic again.

This section of SH73 affected by the mudslide is now open to one lane with a temporary 30km/h speed restriction in place, meaning travel between Canterbury and the West Coast is restored. 

Road users should expect delays and are asked to travel with extra care.      

The cleared section of SH73 below where a mudslide had covered both lanes of the road.

7.45pm – Flooding closure lifted, but other SH73 obstruction still being worked on 

The section of State Highway 73 between Otira and Arthur’s Pass has reopened following a closure due to flooding, however a nearby area remains blocked while a mudslide is still being cleared.

The remaining affected area is east of Bealey, where a mudslide had blocked SH73. Contractors are working to clear this area and expect to have it done this evening.     

5.20pm – Flooding closes link between Canterbury and West Coast

State Highway 73 between Otira and Arthur’s Pass is closed because of flooding, temporarily cutting off the key road link between Canterbury and the West Coast.

Road users are asked to avoid the area or delay their travel, ahead of an update on the status of the road expected this evening.

An area warning is also in place on the West Coast side of SH73 between the West Coast (Kumara Junction) and Arthur’s Pass, urging road users to drive with caution due to surface flooding and strong winds.; while on the east coast side there is a separate warning about mudslides blocking SH73 and a warning about significant delays for road users.

Strong winds and heavy rain have been problematic for much of the South Island today, bringing down trees on state highways in addition to the flooding.