A slip that has closed part of State Highway 6/Coast Road on the West Coast is being assessed this morning to see when it can be cleared.

The slip is near the intersection with Holland Street, between Rapahoe and Nine Mile, in the Grey District, and is reported to be blocking both lanes. Road users should consider using an alternative route inland.

An NZTA spokesman said motorists who do take the inland route via State Highway 7 should also be aware that due to an earlier car crash involving power lines, there is a 30km/h temporary speed limit and vehicles are being asked to stop on demand at Totara Flat, south of the Alcorn Road intersection.

An update will be provided as more information is available on both the slip closure and the traffic management at the crash site.

Heavy rain warnings remain in place for much of the West Coast region today, with the rain bringing an increased risk of slips, surface flooding and difficult driving conditions.