Canterbury drivers heading to the West Coast are turning back after a slip's blocked the road.
The slip on the West Coast side near the Rock Shelter's closed State Highway 73 between Arthurs Pass and Otira.
There's no detour but motorists can use the Lewis Pass route.
The scale of the slip is not yet known.
Barry Whittle says he and many others couldn't get past Arthurs Pass.
He says he was stopped by a sign indicating the road closure, other motorists also turned back were told the road may be closed all day.
An update is expected at midday.
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