``We've reopened the alternative inland state highway route from Picton to Christchurch, via Murchison and the Lewis Pass,'' he said. ``This will be the main state highway route from Christchurch to Picton for at least several weeks, given the size of the slips which have closed SH1. State Highway 1, Picton to Blenheim/Seddon is now open but Seddon to Cheviot remains closed. With the closure of State Highway 1, Walker said the Lewis Pass route will be carrying higher volumes of traffic, and people are urged to allow extra time for their journey. State Highway 7A, giving access to Hanmer Springs from State Highway 7, reopened at 7am on Tuesday after being closed overnight due to the risk of further rockfalls.

Source: Otago Daily Times November 15, 2016 06:25 UTC