The rock blasting work along Sumner Road scheduled for late February, will now be done next week.

Loose or dangerous rocks and boulders are being removed along Sumner Road, as part of the work to mitigate geotechnical risk to the road, before the road is repaired and re-opened.

Blasting is the safest and most effective way to move large boulders on the bluff.

Blasts are scheduled for noon Monday 13 and 2pm Tuesday 14 March, weather permitting, with a contingency date of Wednesday 15 March.

Locals may hear short noises, see some dust or feel some vibrations, and depending on wind conditions, noise may be heard around the harbour basin. The project team have taken a
number of precautions and put controls in place to minimise the noise, dust and vibration.

The public should stay well away from the project area and the blast exclusion zone, marked in red on this map. There are signs on tracks and buoys in the harbour that warn of the rockfall risk and on the day security guards will be posted at access points to prevent entry.

More blasting work will be required as part of the project however this work won’t begin until April, and we will let people know in advance so they know what to expect.

For more information on the Sumner Lyttelton Corridor project visit the website.

Authorities have this week lifted restrictions limiting the time Dyers Pass Road is open. They have also fully opened Summit Road to traffic, providing access to walking and riding tracks.

Both roads will now be open all day and through the night, although a speed restriction and no-stopping restriction apply along Dyers Pass Road.

Rural firefighters and roading, tree and other experts have assessed the various risks and given assurance the area is safe to provide access.

The opening means riders and walkers can access tracks off Summit Road east, including Bowenvale Valley tracks, Victoria Park, and Sugarloaf reserve tracks. The lower section of the Harry Ell track is open.

Halswell Quarry Park is also open, although Kennedy’s Bush track is closed so there is no access from that point.

Due to the ongoing firefighting operation, the west side of Summit Road remains closed, along with tracks that are in the burnt and fire affected areas. Christchurch Adventure Park remains closed and people are asked to stay away from these areas, where assessments are taking place, and work may involve heavy machinery and possibly tree felling.

Check on the status of tracks on the Council’s website.

People are reminded that Summit Road is closed at Rapaki Track as a result of the earthquakes.

People wanting to contribute to the Port Hills recovery effort can donate to the Port Hills Fire Restoration Fund, which is being managed by the Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust.

The fund is a collaborative effort between Christchurch City Council, Selwyn District Council, government agencies, conservation groups and the public, and will support the recovery efforts on publicly owned conservation land and private land with important ecological values and conservation covenants.

Details about making a donation can be found on the BPCT website.