Good progress is being made on the safety measures on State Highway 60 Ruby Bay Bypass. To complete the work, overnight road closures will be extended.

Jetesh Bhula, Regional Manager Wellington and Top of South, NZ Transport Agency, says the work that began in February has included several steps prior to installing the flexible road safety barriers. 

“Since February, 3.6 kilometres of road has been widened, new drainage installed, and 3.7 kilometres of new side barrier and a new right-turn bay at Tasman View Road intersection completed.” 

On 19 May, installation started on flexible road safety barriers down the centre of the road on State Highway 60. Approximately three kilometres of median barrier has been completed. 

“Due to unforeseen circumstances, more time is needed to complete the installation of the remaining barriers. The overnight road closures will be in place until the end of July and will operate between 7 pm to 5.30 am, Sunday to Thursday,” says Mr Bhula.

“We understand that road closures are frustrating and impact your journeys. We apologise for the inconvenience caused from the extension to the overnight closures. 

“To make it easier for people travelling on the road over King’s Birthday weekend, there will be no overnight closures or daytime road works over the weekend, including Sunday 2 or Monday 3 June. Temporary speed limits will be in place on some sections of State Highway 60,” says Mr Bhula.

During the overnight closures, the same detour will be in place. All vehicles will need to detour via Mapua Drive, Stafford Drive and Aporo Road. People travelling between Motueka and Richmond/Nelson must use this detour while the overnight closures are in place. On the detour route, traffic lights will be in place at a single-lane site at Ruby Bay Cliffs. The overnight detour will add another 10 minutes to journey times.

Residents needing to access Gardner Valley Road or Tasman View Road will need to continue to use Dominion Road or Harley Road. Residents needing access to Stagecoach Road and Chaytor Road must use Seaton Valley Road.

No overnight closures on Fridays or Saturdays.

State Highway 60 will be open in both directions during the day. However, traffic management will be in place, including lane shifts and some intermittent stop/go to enable sealing works. Drivers should plan for delays of around ten minutes during the day.