The South Island is effectively split in two on Tuesday night, with a key link in state highway one closed.
Ashburton Bridge is out of action with the flood waters of recent days affecting its structural integrity.
Testing is underway to determine whether it can reopen to light traffic tonight, but until then, the only way is the long way.
But some key surrounding roads are still inundated with water.
Our reporter Louise Ternouth and camera man Nathan McKinnon report from Ashburton.
Following that report, Ashburton Mayor Neil Brown details the latest on the bridge.
