Nelson drivers and cyclists need to be ready for changes to the road layout on State Highway 6 Rocks Road, with resilience works ramping up from early June.

Changes will begin from Sunday, 7 June and continue until November as part of ongoing work to reduce slip and rockfall risk on the cliff face on the route.

Temporary traffic management will be set up on Rocks Road from the Basin Reserve for approximately 300 metres towards Tahunanui.

It will allow contractors to work from the base and the top of the cliff face, increasing the resource working on the project.

Both lanes of the highway will remain open. However, they will be shifted closer to the seaside to provide a safe work area.

Impact on cyclists and pedestrians

The new set up will occupy the existing cycle lanes. Cyclists will need to use the road lane, which will operate under a 30 km/h temporary speed limit.

Cyclists are encouraged to ‘claim the lane’ by riding in the middle of the lane to ensure they are seen and safe as they ride through the work zone before returning to the cycle lanes once they exit the site.

Cyclists are encouraged to ‘claim the lane’ by riding in the centre through the work zone, then return to the cycle lane.

Clear signage and speed detection message boards will be in place in both directions to reinforce the reduced speed.

All road users are reminded to follow the 30 km/h speed limit and share the road with care.

The footpath will remain open at all times for pedestrians. Cyclists who prefer not to ride in the traffic lane can dismount and walk their bikes on the footpath past the work area.

Planned works

The project involves strengthening the cliff face to reduce ongoing risks to people travelling along SH6.

Work includes:

• Installing temporary traffic management and safety barriers
• Inserting rock anchors into the cliff face
• Clearing loose soil, rock and vegetation
• Applying shotcrete
• Installing stainless-steel mesh on the upper and lower sections of the cliff

Local businesses along Rocks Road remain open, and the community is encouraged to continue supporting them during the works.

Night closures

During June, the southbound lane on SH6 Rocks Road near The Cliffs will be closed Sunday to Thursday nights, between 7 pm and 6 am.

Stop/go traffic lights and a 30 km/h temporary speed limit will be in place to ensure the safety of all road users.

From Sunday, 21 June, a crane will be on site to lift contractors into place allowing them to drill anchor holes in the middle band of the cliff face before shotcrete is applied.

The night-time lane closures are required to ensure the safety of all road users and contractors.

Work schedule

Daytime temporary traffic management

• Sunday, 7 June until November
  • Both road lanes will shift towards the seaside of the road between The Basin Reserve and Magazine Point. 
  • No access to the cycle lane in the work zone.
  • A 30 km/h temporary speed limit will apply at all times.
  • The footpath will remain open to pedestrians at all times.

Nightworks

• Sunday, 7 June until Thursday, 2 July (no work on Friday or Saturday nights). 7 pm – 6 am (weather permitting)
  • State Highway 6 Rocks Road – southbound lane closure between the Basin Reserve and Magazine Point.
  • Stop/go traffic lights and a 30 km/h temporary speed limit.
  • Expect delays of up to 10 minutes.

Work progress remains dependent on weather and ground conditions, and plans may change if additional issues are identified.

More information

• SH6 Rocks Road(external link)