Motorists travelling between Cromwell and Queenstown can expect “short delays” from October 30 while rock removal takes place.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency’s Central Otago will start its spring safety programme at both the Kawarau Gorge (Bungy) Bridge bluff and Nevis Bluff, SH6, at the end of the month.

Works will run for around four weeks from Monday, October 30 through to November 24.

The time frame will include a week at the Kawarau Gorge (Bungy) Bridge bluff to start with, then three weeks at Nevis Bluff.

Waka Kotahi system manager Robert Choveaux said travel delays should be expected.

“People who travel between Cromwell and Queenstown will need to factor in short delays, up to 10 minutes at a time on weekdays, 8am to 5pm from Monday, 30 October.”

Both schist rocks bluffs are prone to rockfall and are routinely monitored by Waka Kotahi crews and geotechnical advisors. 

While the Nevis Bluff spring and autumn work has been regularly programmed in recent years, the Kawarau Gorge Bungy Bridge site also now requires additional maintenance.

“The scaling works at Kawarau Gorge Bungy Bridge is the first stage in a larger programme, which will go through into 2024. It includes the installation of 42 rock-bolts and structural mesh to retain the overhanging and fractured upper central section of the Kawarau River Bridge rocky outcrop.”

The two rock scaling sites at the Kawarau Gorge (Bungy) Bridge bluff closer to Arrow Junction and the Nevis Bluff, on the Cromwell side of Gibbston Valley. IMAGE: Supplied

The Nevis Bluff and Bungy Bridge are sites Waka Kotahi regularly inspect, monitor and complete stabilisation work on as part of its commitment to provide a safe, accessible highway network and reduce the risk of uncontrolled rockfalll, Robert said.

The spring safety programme will run on weekdays, 8am to 5pm, from Monday, October 30 to Friday, November 3 at the Bungy Bridge and Monday, November 6 to Friday, November 24 at Nevis.