The next blasting to clear potential dangers at Central Otago’s Nevis Bluff is scheduled take place next week, on Tuesday 4 November from 1pm to 2pm.

This precision use of explosives on unstable rock, approximately 100m above State Highway 6, is vital to ensure the ongoing safety of road users. The blasting is part of a spring/summer programme at the bluff, between Cromwell and Queenstown, scheduled to take place over four weeks and also involving rock scaling work and checking of monitoring equipment at the site.

Subject to weather conditions, the blasting on Tuesday next week will mean a one-hour delay for road users on this affected area of SH6.    

Further blast dates and times will be confirmed as the work progresses, with as much notice given as possible, including electronic signs advertising these longer delays a day or two ahead. Outside of the blasting times, people are advised to build an additional 10 minutes into their travels past the bluff between 8am and 5pm weekdays.

Meanwhile, road users should be aware of other delays that may affect them when travelling on SH6 through Kawarau Gorge.

Work continues on addressing an underslip at Scrubby Corner for a further week (see images below), and work over the coming weeks to address various slips from the recent weather event may also result in delays.

We thank people for their patience and care when driving in the area.