Simon Bridges, David Bennett take close look at SH1 damage before declaring road to south open

Transport Minister Simon Bridges and new Associate Transport Minister David Bennett have had another up-close look at damage to SH1 ahead of an announcement about reopening the road to Kaikoura's south. Photo / File

Transport Minister Simon Bridges has had another up-close look at damage to State Highway 1 as he prepares to make an announcement about reopening the road to Kaikoura's south.

Bridges took an Air Force helicopter from Wellington with National MP and new Associate Transport Minister David Bennett, on the way inspecting slips and damage on SH1 north of Kaikoura.

It was Bennett's first look at the damage.

"There's a bit of one there," Bridges said to his colleague, as the helicopter circled a massive slip. Fluoro-clad workers came out onto the otherwise deserted road below.

Above another slip Bridges pointed out a railway track that pointed out into the sea.

Bridges will meet some of the roading crews who have been working long hours to clear damage on SH1 caused by the November 14 earthquake and aftershocks, before making his announcement at a cordon site at Peketa, just south of Kaikoura.

He met with road workers and turned a tinsel-wrapped Stop Go sign at the Kahutara Bridge to officially reopen SH1 south of Kaikoura.

Transport Minister Simon Bridges and new Associate Transport Minister David Bennett turned a tinsel-wrapped Stop-Go sign at the Kahutara Bridge to officially reopen SH1 south of Kaikoura.

He said it was "a real milestone" and the thanks should be directed at the roading contractors. Many had declined to tell him how hard they were working as they weren't sure it was legal.

Bridges said Kaikoura was open for business, and that word would spread over time.

He has previously said that opening SH1 access to the south would be a "huge relief" to locals and businesses, and allow visitors and tourists over the holidays.

The Government announced last week it would spend up to $2 billion to rebuild State Highway 1 and the rail corridor along the coastal route to the north and south of Kaikoura.

To rebuild SH1 in both directions would take about 12 months, Bridges said at the time, and emergency legislation passed through Parliament this month would help cut through red tape and speed repairs.

An Order in Council has also been prepared, which will accelerate the rebuilding on SH1.

The inland road to Kaikoura - route 70 - opened to the public for unrestricted use this week.