Central Otago SH8 to close for flood repairs

Image: CODC

There will be disruptions on the highway around Roxburgh in coming days as the clean-up continues in the wake of last weekend's floods.

The Central Otago District Council this morning said access into the town via State Highway 8 will be closed north and south from 6am on Monday.

The CODC said the highway was likely to remain closed until at least Thursday, December 7.

There were five damaged creek sites that cross SH8 that were being worked on simultaneously: from the south, Black Jacks Creek, Golf Course Creek, Reservoir Creek, Edinburgh Creek and Pump Station Creek.

All sites suffered significant damage to the road, some sites also include damage to footpaths, the water network and other services.

To allow for efficient reinstatement, plant movement and to ensure worker and driver safety, the decision was made to keep SH8 closed through Roxburgh.

A detour is in place for through traffic from the Millers Flat bridge up to the Roxburgh dam.

Road access

* SH8 Alexandra to Coal Creek - Fruitlands - Roxburgh Road
* Coal Creek orchards and businesses will be accessible down to just south of Slaughterhouse Creek.
* SH8 will be open to just south of Slaughterhouse Creek.
* There will be no access into Roxburgh from just south of Slaughterhouse Creek.
* There will be no through access south on SH8 from just beyond Slaughterhouse Creek.

SH8 Millers Flat to Ettrick

* Ettrick businesses will be accessible via SH8.
* SH8 will be closed north of Ettrick at Dalmuir Road.
* There will be no access into Roxburgh from Ettrick.

Chairman of the Teviot Valley Community Board, Raymond Gunn said: "This means people can drive in and get their fruit supplies and visit the local Coal Creek and Ettrick businesses, but they will have to turn around and return to the signed detour route to access Roxburgh township.

''I would encourage people to do just that. These businesses need our support to return to a more normal level of trade."

Senior Sergeant Ian Kerrisk said police would have a boosted presence in the Teviot Valley over the week as safety was paramount.

"It's important that we all just take that extra bit of care and slow down. We want people to stay safe, and all road users need to do their bit to ensure this is the case."