AA has applauded Waka Kotahi’s work to reopen SH6 after recent severe weather events.

The section of SH6 between Blenheim and Nelson was closed after being hit with slips and washouts during the heavy weather, which plunged Nelson into a state of emergency. Rivers burst their banks and hillsides came down in the deluge resulting in evacuations and damage to property.

Nelson District chairman Richard Popenhagen said the road was a vital link for people and business.

“Waka Kotahi’s crews have been working under very trying circumstances. We’re incredibly appreciative on behalf of our members and the wider roadgoing public.”

The transport agency’s crews worked to reopen the road between the two regions. The Hira to Rai Valley section will open this week to complete the link, following the reinstatement of the Blenheim to Rai Valley portion.

“It’s the only link between Nelson and Marlborough – we don’t have rail, so everything comes by either truck or sea. It’s incredibly important not just for getting around, but for our economy because it links with State Highway 1 and all the freight coming from the north and south,” said Popenhagen.

Waka Kotahi said works on the road will be ongoing in the coming weeks and months, and it will be a long time before the road returned back to how it was.