Latest update - 2221 November
SH1 is closed to through traffic between Ward and Cheviot. The road is open between Picton and Ward but is down to one lane in multiple places, please take extra care.SH1 is closed to through traffic between Blenheim and Christchurch.
People travelling between Picton and Christchurch need to use the alternative inland highway route – State Highway 6 and 63 to Murchison , and then along State Highway 65 to Springs Junction and through Lewis Pass (State Highway 7) to State Highway 1 at Waipara and vice versa.
The trip from Picton to Christchurch or vice versa will take about seven and a half hours. Everyone is asked to take extra care when travelling on this route and allow plenty of time for their trip.
There are petrol, café and toilet facilities at St Arnaud, Murchison, Springs Junction and Culverden.
There is currently no road access to Kaikoura.
Kaikoura Emergency Access Road (inland route 70 - no public access)
Work continues to focus on restoring access to communities which have been cut off by damage from Monday’s quake and establishing safe and reliable alternative routes.
Crews are continuing to work urgently on the Kaikoura Emergency Access Road (inland route 70) between Culverden and Kaikoura, clearing slips and assessing the road and structures for damage. The road is under strict control of Civil Defence Canterbury. This is due to the dangerous conditions, and the road is currently only being used to deliver supplies to Kaikoura.
There is currently no public access due to the unsafe and challenging conditions. Crews are working hard to restore controlled public access as soon as possible. Civil Defence Canterbury will provide further information as soon as safe public access is restored.
Preliminary damage assessment zone map .
For queries on earthquake State Highway roading information:
- Visit www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic
- Call 0800 44 44 49