Quick work by Waka Kotahi’s roading crews has cleared a significant slip from State Highway 53 between Featherston and Martinborough.

A full closure and diversions have been in place since Wednesday evening after a substantial slip came down near the intersection of State Highway 53 and Wards Line.

This section of State Highway 53 is expected to reopen to all traffic by approximately 7 pm this evening, or soon after.

Contractors have removed over 70 truck and trailer loads (more than 1000 cubic metres) of slip debris and 18 nearby pine trees that were also at risk of falling onto the road.

The hillside has been reshaped and benched to help protect the highway from future slips.

Waka Kotahi’s Wellington Transport Alliance thanks road users and residents for their patience and understanding while contractors have cleared the site.