The NZ Transport Agency is aiming to reopen State Highway 73 linking the West Coast and Canterbury tomorrow morning, as the road continues to be repaired following last week's severe storm.
NZTA system manager Pete Connors said there was "significant damage" at the bridge approaches of both Yorkey Creek and Goat Creek in the Otira Gorge, while there had been washouts of parts of the highway between Jacksons and Arthur's Pass.
"Urgent repairs were under way all weekend as the bad weather lifted to get the highway reopened as soon as is safely possible," he said.
While the highway is set to reopen at 7am tomorrow, Mr Connors said three sites through the Otira Gorge would likely be one lane for several months, including over the Christmas and New Year period, due to the complexity of the repairs.
State Highway 6 south of Hokitika to Makarora is open, but is one lane in some places.
Mr Connors advised travellers on both SH6 and SH73 to allow extra time to get to their destination.
