News
Mitchell Road has been closed to traffic after a culvert collapsed, cutting off access between two major intersections in the area.
The emergency closure affects the stretch of Mitchell Road between Riverton Otautau Road and Waipango Ermedale Road intersections. The road will remain shut until Friday 24 April while repair crews work to fix the damaged infrastructure.
A culvert is a tunnel or pipe that allows water to flow under a road. When these structures fail, they can cause significant damage to the road surface above, making it unsafe for vehicles to pass.
Local authorities say residents affected by the closure will be contacted directly about the situation and any alternative arrangements.
The closure comes at a time when rural roads across Southland face ongoing maintenance challenges. The repair work is expected to take several days to complete, depending on weather conditions and the extent of the damage.
Drivers who regularly use Mitchell Road will need to find alternative routes during the closure period. The affected section connects two important rural roads in the area, so the closure may cause some inconvenience for local traffic.
Road users are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time for journeys that would normally use this route. The closure is necessary for safety reasons, as collapsed culverts can create dangerous conditions for vehicles.
Repair crews will work to restore the road as quickly as possible while ensuring the work is completed to a safe standard. The reinstatement work involves rebuilding the culvert structure and repairing the road surface above it.
Once the repairs are finished and the road is deemed safe for traffic, the closure will be lifted. Authorities will update the public when the road reopens to normal traffic flow.