The section of SH1 between Cheviot and Kaikōura is due to be open again to traffic from 12pm tomorrow, following a closure that went into force last week because of severe flooding and road damage.

Inland Route 70/Inland Kaikōura Road to the west of Kaikōura remains closed. A detour route via State Highways 7, 65, 6 and 63 is still available.

Where floodwaters from the Conway River have eaten away chunks of the road near Hawkswood, a single lane only will be operating from tomorrow, with a reduced speed limit and ‘stop/go’ traffic management 24/7.

This traffic management is likely to stay in place for several weeks while the full width of the highway is reinstated, an NZTA spokesman said.

The risk of slips on the section of highway will be continually monitored.

Once SH1 is reopened, people are urged to travel with care and to respect the traffic management that is in place. This will help keep road users and those working on the highway safe. Extra care should also be taken on SH1 north of Kaikōura, which was also closed earlier because of the flooding impacts.

Confirmation of the opening will be provided tomorrow.