Source: Radio New Zealand
Main Road had reopened to one lane, but motorists were warned of significant delays. Facebook / Christchurch City Council
Firefighters have copped abuse by motorists frustrated by the closure of the main road between Christchurch and Sumner, Sumner Volunteer Fire Brigade says.
Main Road and the adjacent footpath closed near Shag Rock Reserve on Wednesday as the ridge was assessed by geotechnical engineers.
Emergency services were alerted to rocks and water falling from the cliff above the road that had also damaged a section of protective wire netting.
In a social media post, the brigade said it was saddened by the behaviour of some members of the public.
Sumner Volunteer Fire Brigade took to social media after some of them were abused by motorists when Main Road in Sumner was closed following a rock fall event. Sumner Volunteer Fire Brigade
“Given recent events in the Tauranga region, we had hoped for a degree of understanding and patience from the wider public. Unfortunately, this was not always the case.
“Our volunteers were subjected to abuse from drivers being asked to take the 15-20 minute detour over Evans Pass.”
Firefighters also reported cyclists moving barriers to access the footpath despite being informed it was shut.
“Mother nature does not care if you are running late. When a road is closed, it is done so for the safety of all road users, pedestrians, and emergency service personnel,” the post said.
“To those who were understanding and co-operative, thank you. To those who were not, please do better next time.”
The Christchurch City Council said engineers had completed an assessment of Clifton Hill and found a blocked wastewater pipe caused rocks to fall.
There was a low risk of further rockfalls, a spokesperson said.
Main Road had reopened to one lane but motorists were warned of significant delays.
“Traffic is being managed via traffic lights that will be manually controlled during peak times to allow for traffic flow in and out of Christchurch. This traffic system is likely to be in place for several days while the area dries out.”
Clifton Terrace was also down to one lane and there could be further closures for repairs.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
