The Marlborough Mayor says the reopening of Kenepuru Rd just in time for the holiday period would allow people to “rediscover” the region after three years of closures.
A storm in July 2021 particularly damaged one of the main routes into the Kenepuru Sound, with repairs costing around $85 million. Before the repairs could be completed another storm hit in August causing widespread damage throughout the Marlborough Sounds.
Following the completion of a retaining wall which Marlborough Mayor Nadine Taylor described as an “engineering work of art”, she told Breakfast it was “the best Christmas present ever” for those who use the road.
“It is a relief. I’m thrilled for them and I’m so pleased we’ve been able to deliver.”
She said farmers in particular had faced challenges with transporting stock and accessing their land over the past three years.
Taylor said the reopening of the road to the public for the first time since 2021 would help people “rediscover” the area.
“Kenepuru Sound is such a much-loved sound for visitors. [The reopening] means people can get back to accessing that. Up until now it’s been residents only for three years, so it’s almost going to be like a ‘rediscovery’ I think for holidaymakers and all the people of New Zealand.
“It’s a beautiful part of the world so we really look forward to welcoming people back there.”
Marlborough Roads Manager Steve Murrin said the new status means the complete removal of the resident-only restriction along the length of Kenepuru Rd and its side roads, which had been in place for more than three years.
He said some length and weight restrictions for vehicles would remain.
“Vehicle restrictions will remain at 12.6m length and six tonnes in weight although a permit for a vehicle outside this length and weight can be applied for in advance. Permits may require pilotage, depending on the overall length of the vehicle and the time of travel,” he said.
