State Highway 67/Birchfield Road between Granity and Waimangaroa has reopened, with speed restrictions, following the clearing of a slip.

People are asked to take extra care travelling on this stretch of road.

11.15am – No quick fix for West Coast slip closure

It is likely to be several hours at least before any access is available past a slip that has closed State Highway 67 between Granity and Waimangaroa on the West Coast.

While the slip has closed the section of SH67/Birchfield Road in the Buller District, there is also significant flooding in the area due to heavy rain, and flooding and slips are also being reported elsewhere on the West Coast.

MetService has advised that an orange heavy rain warning is in place until noon today for Buller and north of Buller River. This level of warning means streams and rivers may rise rapidly, and surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions are possible.

Contractors for New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi are working to clear the slip, with the aim of having at least a single lane clear for traffic initially. An update on progress is expected later in the afternoon.

Road users are urged to drive with extra caution where there are slips or floodwaters on the road. An update will be provided as the status of SH67/Birchfield Road changes.