The Blackmount Road will be closed to all through-traffic at Blackmount Hill from 8am tomorrow (10 Oct), after a slump was discovered on the Manapouri side of the Western Southland hill road.

Southland District Council (SDC) said the closurewas needed to allow contractors to investigate the magnitude of the slump and what repairs are required.

Northbound traffic will still be able to access Monowai Village, Lake Monowai and Borland from the southern end of the road, however southbound traffic will need to detour via Mossburn.

Residents only access will be possible at this time.

SDC expects the road will be closed for no more than a day at this stage.