Road now open round the clock

The Milford road from the Homer Tunnel to Milford Sound is now open around the clock again, the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) says.

Closures at night had been in place on the road for several months due to the rockfall risk at the tunnel's western entrance.

Southland area manager Peter Robinson yesterday said snow and ice had effectively locked up the faces of the rock and debris field above the western entrance to the tunnel, including the site where a 2000-tonne section of unstable rock was removed in June.

Once the weather improved, agency contractors would complete debris-removal work at the site while causing minimal disruption to road users and tour operators.

Mr Robinson said until the loose rock removal was completed, the temporary portal extension at the western entrance of the tunnel would remain. Work on the structure to help it withstand wind blast from avalanches had just been completed.

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