State Highway 6, from Haast to Lake Hawea, has re-opened to single-lane traffic this afternoon after a slip saw massive rocks fall onto the highway early this morning, closing the road to all traffic.
The NZ Transport Agency's Senior Asset Manager West Coast Mark Pinner said contractors would remain at the site until dusk, continuing to clear the slip and remove as much of the debris as possible.
" A significant number of large boulders fell on to the road 1km west of Clarke's Bluff. These are extremely large and we are having to blast most of them to be able to remove them from the highway.
"It is estimated 750 tonnes of rock has fallen. It will be blasted and removed to Burke Flat."
Mr Pinner said a geotechnical expert had checked the area had stabilised and that it was safe for motorists.
"Our contractors will be on site again at first light tomorrow to keep working on clearing the road. Motorists are advised to expect delays as this work progresses throughout the weekend."
At this stage, the cause of the rockfall is not known.
