Update on Livingstone-Duntroon Road Rockfall Closure / Reopening

Published on 06 June 2024

After an assessment by a Geotech engineer earlier this week and a historical specialist yesterday, Waitaki District Council aims to have the road open to single-lane traffic by this weekend. This is anticipated to be a priority give-way single lane, to allow traffic to flow in both directions.

Ngāi Tahu, the owners of the site, and Tūhura Otago Museum have requested to be notified if any rock art or fossilised remains emerge during the clearance of the fall and for these to be protected as much as possible. The potential archaeological significance of fossils within the limestone could delay reopening, however it is likely we will have a single lane opening available by Friday evening.

Waitaki District Council and contractors have targeted the end of next week for the full reopening of the road.

We understand the community’s frustration about the closure, but the nature of this rockfall requires caution and care to ensure the road can be opened with any potential hazards removed or secured.

The large, precarious rocks will be professionally ‘shoved’ off the ledge, using inflatable bladders, while the road remains closed to all traffic. We hope to be able to share some footage of the work once it is completed.

Until the road re-opens the following diversions remain in place:

• The A2O is currently being rerouted along Earthquakes Road to rejoin the trail beyond the rock-fall site. This is not a sealed road, so motor vehicle traffic is discouraged.
• Road traffic is encouraged to take the Georgetown – Ngapara road as a diversion to reach Elephant Rocks, Livingstone and other areas usually accessible by the Duntroon-Livingstone Road.

Council will provide further information regarding the road re-opening when available.

ENDS