Work to install permanent rockfall protection along Kaikoura’s rockfall-prone corner between Peketa and the Parititahi Tunnels, south of the town, will start in July and continue for six months.

A six-metre high canopy will be installed, to redirect falling rock away from the road and road users.

There will be significant delays for road users while this work is underway – up to 35 minutes weekdays, 9am to 5pm, for the first month of work.

NZTA spokesman Colin Knaggs says oher rock protection measures nearby include a draped mesh fence and barriers.

He says “the safety of road users is our priority. With more than 70 recorded rockfall incidents in the area since the 2016 earthquake, a permanent solution is needed to protect road users now and in the future.”

The canopy design, using rock protection netting to allow light through, is the first of its kind to be installed in the southern hemisphere. It was chosen in preference to other ways of protecting road users, for example, a tunnel, which would have cut off the sea views.

The first stage of the work, which starts on Monday, includes rock scaling and milling the existing rock.

The road will be closed for periods of 30-35 minutes while crew work on the rock above the road, it will then be opened to clear traffic from both directions.

Starting Monday 6 July for around four weeks (includes weather contingency), this work will take place between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

After this time, the highway will be single lane for the canopy and other protection to be installed.