Nelson drivers are being reminded to prepare for planned nightworks on State Highway 6 Rocks Road later this week as contractors continue work to strengthen the cliff face and reduce slip and rockfall risk.

Night closures

From Sunday 17 May until Friday morning, 22 May, the southbound lane on Rocks Road below The Cliffs, will be closed between 7pm and 6am, to allow contractors to work safely above the state highway.

While this is underway, stop/go traffic lights and a 30 km/h temporary speed limit will be in place to ensure the safety of all road users. 

Rob Service, Area Manager - Nelson/Tasman, says contractors are making great progress on the southern end of the cliff face and will use this time to clear vegetation from the top of the cliff.

“During the night works, a crane will be onsite to reposition the drill rigs and to lift rock anchors into place prior to installation. This provides safe access for our crews and makes their work easier to do.  

“Abseilers will also work through the night, drilling anchors into the cliff face close to the existing shotcrete to improve the cliff’s resilience,” Mr Service says. 

The next planned night works are scheduled for mid-June when stainless-steel mesh will be installed at the southern end of the cliff face before abseilers begin moving to the northern end of the face to continue work.