SH35 at Busby's hill open to all vehicles

NZTA has opened SH35 at Busby's Hill to all vehicles from this morning, allowing  heavy vehicles to now use the highway.

The NZTA opened one lane of the highway at Busby's Hill on Monday to light vehicles, ending a closure of nearly three weeks. All heavy vehicles are now able to use SH35, which remains open to one lane.

"This will be welcome news for the truckies who have been very patient over the last 3 weeks," says Acting State Highways Manager Mark Owen.  "We appreciate the impact this closure has had on commercial vehicles and local industry, and this news will certainly bring them well-earned relief."  "We'd like to thank our contractors and geotechnical engineers, who have worked tirelessly and made fantastic progress over the last few days to get Busby's Hill open to everyone."

Mr Owen says the opening of Busby's Hill to heavy vehicles was dependant on the ongoing condition of the highway, and heavy vehicles would be diverted back to the alternative route if the highway showed signs of deterioration. He says the NZTA is confident that the new temporary single lane road, with the extensive drainage installed, will reduce the short term risk of further closure, but are continuing to investigate long term solutions.

The NZTA reminds motorists to check www.highwayinfo.govt.nz for up-to-date information on highway conditions and closures.      

The NZTA will continue to issue updates as developments arise.