State Highway 73 through Arthur's Pass between Christchurch and the West Coast is reopen again after a large rockfall. Photo / Supplied
State Highway 73 through Arthur's Pass between Christchurch and the West Coast is reopen again after a large rockfall.
The Otira Gorge route had been closed since Monday when a slip above the rock shelter, on the West Coast side, spilled material including large boulders onto the road.
A
truck driver was caught out when the rock slide hit on Monday and forced to stop inside the purpose-built rock shelter. The driver was rescued and the truck and trailer remained inside the shelter yesterday.
A helicopter from Christchurch was called in to clear the rockslide.
"The helicopter sluicing yesterday has resolved this issue in the short term. A more permanent solution is currently being explored," a Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency spokesperson said.
