The SH73 route connecting the West Coast and Canterbury will reopen at midday today, pending an inspection, according to the New Zealand Transport Agency.

Recent snowfall melt and heavy rainfall brought rocks onto the western side of the Otira Rock Shelter, prompting the road’s closure in recent days, NZTA said.

The highway, which runs between Arthur’s Pass and Otira, remained closed all day on Friday and overnight into today.

Although rockfall this morning has been relatively light, the ongoing water runoff from the cliff face means conditions could change rapidly.

For travellers seeking to avoid the uncertainties associated with SH73, NZTA suggests using the alternative route via the Lewis Pass, SH7, which runs through Waipara and Reefton. This route adds between 45 minutes to an hour to the journey compared to the SH73.

“Based on current conditions, SH73 will close again at 5.30 pm Saturday night and reopen Sunday at 8 am, subject to an inspection tomorrow morning and the weather at the time,” said Moira Whinham, Maintenance Contract Manager for NZTA on the West Coast.

The weather forecast through to Tuesday next week indicates periods of heavy rain, which may lead to further closures of SH73. NZTA advises travellers to check the traffic and travel map for the latest updates before setting off to avoid delays.