Rock scaling in Buller Gorge from next week, up to 30 minute delays

NZTA

People who use the Buller Gorge, part of SH6, to get to and from Westport via Inangahua will face delays from next week.

 Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency crews will be working at a number of cliff sites adjoining the highway, 8 am to 5 pm, removing loose rock, says Tresca Forrester, Journey Manager for Waka Kotahi on the West Coast.

 “This work is weather dependent, so it may be pushed out or postponed if it rains,” she says. “The aim is to get this done ahead of the holiday period.”

The first batch of rock scaling is in the Upper Buller Gorge from Monday, 27 November through to Friday 1 December. This will be followed by the Lower Buller Gorge work back to the entrance to Westport, Monday 4 December to Friday 8 December.

 “The 30-minute closures enable crews to safely drop rocks along the highway and then remove them, with no danger to themselves or road users.”