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Highways update, winter weather hits South Island

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Wing mirror“Please think carefully on whether you need to get in your car today and if you do, drive to the conditions – slowly, with chains for the alpine passes,” says NZ Transport Agency Journey Manager Lee Wright.

Many roads in Otago are affected by ice, with freezing fog. In Southland, there are numerous road area warnings of ice and black ice.

For full background tips on winter driving, read our media release from 10 July 2017.

Road snowfall warnings: please check for updates on the MetService snow updates page.

Alpine passes may all be affected by snow from midday today, mainly on the higher parts of the road – Arthur’s Pass and Porter’s Pass (SH73), Lewis Pass (SH7), Lindis Pass (SH8), Haast Pass (SH6), the Milford Road (SH94) and the Dunedin to Waitati Highway (SH1).

More snow may fall at Porter’s Pass (SH73) from Tuesday evening through to Thursday – 15-20 cm or more near the summit.

State Highways: warnings & closures

Drivers are advised to take care on a number of highways. For an updated list of areas where caution warnings are in place, visit our Travel and traffic page.

As of this morning, 10 am, caution due to ice and black ice is required on:  

AreaRoad condition
SH6 Arrow Junction to Kingstonice
SH6A Frankton to Queenstownice
SH80 Aoraki Mount Cook National Park to Ben Ohauice
SH82 Kurow to Waimateice
SH6 Ross to Haast Passice
SH8 Clarksville To Raes Junctionice
SH90 Raes Junction to Mcnabice
SH1 Palmerston to Balcluthaice
SH87 Kyeburn to Mosgielblack ice
SH85 Palmerston to Kyeburnblack ice
SH94 Te Anau to MilfordRoad was closed overnight due to ice but has since reopened with care required. No towing vehicles.

Lewis Pass/ Alternate Route Picton to Christchurch change in highway management

“Drivers using the alternate Picton to Christchurch route via St Arnaud and the Lewis Pass/ Murchison will need to allow extra time and patience.  A change has been made to the way the Lewis Pass, State Highway 7, will be managed over the winter months. It will either be ‘open’ or ‘closed’ rather than having the usual restrictions of ‘chains essential’ and ‘no towing’. Extra Police presence will be on the route over the winter months,” says Ms Wright.

How to stay up to date

If you live in Queenstown Lakes District, or travel to and from Queenstown, sign up for QLDC’s winter road reports.

Winter roadSimple rules for safe winter travelling

  • allow extra time
  • ensure your vehicle is safe for winter driving
  • drive to the road and weather conditions
  • slow down and be prepared for unexpected hazards
  • allow greater following distance between you and the vehicle ahead
  • make sure your cell phone is well charged, check car charger also
  • have blankets, snacks, bottles of water ready in case of emergency or a breakdown.

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