Tasman District Council hopes to receive expert advice on a large landslip that has closed the road at Ruby Bay by the end of this week.
Stafford Drive will remain closed until further notice due to the massive land subsidence above McKee Domain.
Tasman District Council transportation manager Jamie McPherson expects to receive the final geotechnical report this week.
He says this will help inform the decision-making process about the future of the road, but at this stage there is no certainty about when or if Stafford Drive might be cleared and reopened.
Jamie says a key issue is ongoing land stability, and potential risks and impacts on road users and adjacent landowners need to be taken into consideration.
"Costs and future liabilities are important factors that will need to be weighed up. In the meantime, the road will remain closed, and the recommended detour is via Te Mamaku Drive, State Highway 60.”
He says some residents have raised concerns about increased traffic volumes and speed on Pomona Road and Marriages Road, risking the safety of cyclists and pedestrians on this narrower winding route.
He says the situation is being closely monitored.
“But all road users should heed basic road rules, like passing other road users, for example cyclists, at places with adequate clear road space ahead to do so safely, and to drive to the conditions with an ability to stop within the visible road in front of them.”
