The first of scheduled blastings at Central Otago’s Nevis Bluff is due to happen this week, with more to follow through until mid-November.

The precision use of explosives on unstable rock, approximately 100m above State Highway 6, is vital to ensure the ongoing safety of road users, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahoi (NZTA) said.

The blasting is part of a spring/summer programme at the bluff, between Cromwell and Queenstown, scheduled to take place over four weeks.

Subject to weather conditions, there will be a one-hour traffic delay between 1.00pm and 2.00pm today (Wednesday October 29) for blasting work.

Further blast dates and times will be confirmed as the work progresses, with as much notice as possible, including electronic signs advertising these longer delays a day or two ahead.

In addition to the blasting work, teams will be carrying out rock scaling work, where they remove smaller areas of loose and unstable rock as they abseil across the face of the bluff. 

They will also check the equipment that monitors movement at the face and provides potential alerts of road hazards.

Outside of the blasting times, people are advised to build an additional 10 minutes into their travels past the bluff between 8am and 5pm weekdays.

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