Urgent works are planned for State Highway 6 Rocks Road tonight that will require a short closure of the route.

Contractors working on the current resilience project have identified a large rock at the northern end of the project site that is loose and poses a potential risk to the road and road users.

It will be removed by contractors this evening at 8pm.

The work will require a brief closure of the highway; it is estimated this will take around 30 minutes.

Because of the rockfall risk, the highway must be closed. This is essential to ensure everyone is kept safe.

State Highway 6 will be closed between Russell Street and Bisley Avenue. During the closure, all traffic should use Waimea Road as a detour. This will require extra travel time, and drivers should plan accordingly.

NZTA/Waka Kotahi appreciates that this closure is at short notice and will create some disruption for residents, road users, and the wider community. 

However, it is critically important, and contractors will try to finish the job as quickly as possible. 

NZTA/Waka Kotahi thanks the public for their patience and understanding while this work is being completed.