Traffic moves through the reopened section of SH1 south of Kaikōura today, where a single lane is operating. Photo: NZTA/Waka Kotahi

State Highway 1 south of Kaikōura has reopened after the road was badly eroded in severe flooding last week.

Kaikōura District Council declared the state of emergency on Tuesday last week, after torrential rain led to widespread flooding and the Kowhai River burst its banks, resulting in parts of the town being evacuated. It has since been lifted. 

Road users were advised to travel with care and should expect some congestion and delays during this initial period that the section of SH1 between Cheviot and Kaikōura is open again, the New Zealand Transport Agency/ Waka Kotahi advised at noon today.

Restrictions would be needed while the highway was still being restored, and to keep road users and roading crews safe.

A section of more than 1km of the highway near Hawkswood, where the flooded Conway River had eaten away chunks of the road, would be limited to a single lane of traffic for the next few weeks, a spokesman for NZTA said. 

Rocks have been used to shore up parts of SH1 eaten away by floodwaters last week. Photo: NZTA/ Waka Kotahi

People should plan for delays up to 20 minutes, or up to 30 minutes at peak times, as traffic is held in each direction.

"We appreciate the delays at this single lane section may be disruptive, and these will be reduced when it is safe and practical to do so.

"Even with these delays, the reopening of SH1 provides a very significant time saving compared to the alternative route via State Highways 7, 65, 6 and 63 that is still available."

Inland Route 70/Inland Kaikōura Road to the west of Kaikōura remains closed.

The risk of further slips on the section of highway would be continually monitored, following a series of slips along this section of SH1 after last week’s heavy rain.

"As traffic management and restrictions evolve, we will provide updates about what this means for road users," the spokesman said.

- Allied Media