Large scrub fire closes State Highway 7 between Springs Junction and Culverden, alternate highway Picton to Christchurch

The NZ Transport Agency closed the Lewis Pass road (State Highway 7) after 12.30pm today as a scrub fire is spreading near the highway.

The fire started on the Waiau River side of the road close to the Hanmer Springs turnoff but has jumped to the south side of the road in the last hour.

The closure is between Springs Junction and Culverden.

• The other way to Christchurch is via SH 73, the Arthur’s Pass/ Otira route.
• This is a sizeable detour which will add another two hours to the journey between Picton and Christchurch.

People who are able to delay their journeys today, probably should do so.

• Check the google map(external link) to track the large detour route west of Springs Junction.
• For updates of the route closure check the Transport Agency’s traffic information map(external link).
• Check the Press website for footage(external link) taken before the highway closed.

Ways to find out what is happening on the highway network:

•  NZ Transport Agency's travel and traffic page(external link)
• Canterbury West Coast(external link) Twitter @NZTACWC
• Otago Southland Twitter(external link) @NZTAOS
• Transport Agency Facebook South Island(external link)
• Call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS 0800 44 44 49