01-08-2025
Repairs Continue On Marlborough's Roads
Press Release – Marlborough District Council
Marlborough Roads System Manager Wayne Oldfield said the initial event, which started on 27 June, saw more than 40 roads closed due to flooding and damage.
During and following the weather events of late June/early July Marlborough Roads crews have been out in force across the network.
Marlborough Roads' System Manager Wayne Oldfield said the initial event, which started on 27 June, saw more than 40 roads closed due to flooding and damage.
'In the days and weeks that have followed, our focus has been to regain access for communities as well as inspect roads to understand the scale of damage, as we prepare to move into the recovery phase,' Mr Oldfield said.
'We always try to strike a balance between going as quickly as possible to clear slips and repair damage versus ensuring communities and industry have some access wherever possible to essential services and amenities.'
SH63 sustained major damage at the start of the event at Waihopai Bridge and Andersons Floodway, cutting off Wairau Valley township.
'Multiple crews worked through the weekend to create a temporary bypass route for residents and essential travel. Although the road has access to all vehicles, it remains heavily damaged and extreme caution is advised around work sites,' he said.
On local roads damage was spread across the region from Awatere in the south to the French Pass to the north. Northbank and Port Underwood roads were hit particularly hard.
On Northbank Road, 2km from the start of the road, a slip estimated to be around 3,000m3 came down, closing the road.
'To regain emergency access, a temporary road was built over slip material. Crews then worked to create a bench so that loose material would be caught, so the road could be opened overnight. Crews continue to work to clear the slip from the top, some 30m above the ground.'
Engineers estimate that 20,000m3 of material will need to be removed from the site.
Further along Northbank Road and its side roads, works have been undertaken on slip and tree clearance, pavement repairs, and rock armouring and temporary bridge repairs on both Top Valley and Noels bridges.
Mr Oldfield said Port Underwood Road was closed due to significant damage from slips, fallen trees and dropouts and up to four crews at once have been working to clear access. This was achieved between Waikawa and Oyster Bay on 28 June. Works remain underway to re-open the road and enable the heavy vehicle restriction to be lifted between Tumbledown Road to Oyster Bay.
'In the Sounds, a large slip on Queen Charlotte Drive near Momorangi closed the road for three days. Kenepuru Road and Moetapu Bay Road also suffered slips, fallen trees and dropouts, as did the French Pass and Pelorus areas. Crews restored access quickly and planned Marlborough Roads Recovery works have continued,' Mr Oldfield said.
He acknowledged the ongoing support of affected communities and recognised the impact these weather events had on their day to day.
'We also appreciate the support shown to our contractors and staff. These crews are working hard to get roads restored. We are responsible for their safety and wellbeing and respect and courtesy, both for them and the traffic management measures put in place for your safety, is appreciated,' Mr Oldfield said.
For information on road closures visit the CDEM map on Council's website. Notifications on changes to road status are available on the Council website, Facebook page and Antenno app.
