Historic posts along the city's waterfront have been "damaged beyond repair" after a vehicle left the road crashing into the sea on Tuesday night.
Emergency services were notified around 9.30pm on Tuesday that a car had gone off SH6 Rocks Rd into the water near Richardson St.
"It wasn't fully submerged, and the occupant was assisted to the road by police and taken to hospital by ambulance, reportedly in a serious condition," says a police spokesperson.
Nelson City Council group manager infrastructure, Alec Lourverdis, says NZTA and Nelson City Council roading contractor Fulton Hogan, along with Nelmac promptly responded to the crash, removing the vehicle from the water.
"Following the removal of the car, the Nelson Harbourmaster conducted an inspection and confirmed that there were no signs of fuel in the water, ensuring no environmental contamination."
Nelmac will begin replacing the damaged 25-metre section of chains in the coming days.
"Unfortunately, eight of the original cast iron posts were damaged beyond repair and will be replaced with new posts of the same design to maintain the area's aesthetic."
In addition, NZTA has confirmed that a check has revealed no damage to the seawall.
