State Highway 1 south of Kaikōura reopens

State Highway 1 south of Kaikōura is set to reopen on Wednesday at midday, according to the transport agency. The reopening follows extensive repairs after severe weather caused damage to the road and rail infrastructure. A single lane will remain in operation for several weeks due to ongoing restoration efforts. The closure of the highway section between Cheviot and Kaikōura began last week following flooding that eroded parts of the road near Hawkswood. Engineers will reduce the road to one lane, implement a lower speed limit, and enforce stop-and-go traffic control measures around the clock. These temporary conditions are expected to persist until the full width of the highway is restored. Continuous monitoring of potential landslides will also take place along the affected stretch. An alternative route via Inland Route 70, known as the Inland Kaikōura Road, remains closed to the west of Kaikōura. Travelers must use a detour through State Highways 7, 65, 6, and 63. Authorities have advised drivers to exercise caution and adhere strictly to the traffic management protocols once the highway reopens. The South Island’s main trunk railway line also saw partial resumption of service on Tuesday afternoon. Freight operations were halted earlier due to damage sustained by heavy rainfall, which caused ground instability and erosion under the Conway River near the Main North Line between Cheviot and Kaikōura. Crews worked continuously to restore the rail corridor, addressing issues at 42 locations along the route. KiwiRail’s chief infrastructure officer, Siva Sivapakkiam, stated that safety remained the top priority during the recovery process. A test train successfully traversed the repaired track, confirming its readiness for regular service. Additional monitoring systems have been installed to ensure long-term stability. Speed limits will be enforced temporarily as further strengthening work continues on the rail line. The early reopening of both the railway and the highway is viewed as beneficial for regional logistics, particularly given the ongoing road closure. This development supports the continued flow of goods across the South Island, reinforcing KiwiRail’s critical role in national freight transportation. The transport authority will confirm the exact reopening time for State Highway 1 on Tuesday. With the road and rail lines gradually returning to normal, local communities and businesses continue to adapt to the disruptions. Emergency crews remain on standby to address any new incidents, ensuring swift response times. As the region rebuilds, officials emphasize the importance of patience and adherence to safety guidelines during this transitional period.