The last section of South Canterbury’s highway network covered in snow and ice from yesterday’s storm has now reopened (just after 5pm).
The Waka Kotahi South Canterbury highway team had three plough trucks and two graders working from Military Camp to Tekapo this afternoon, SH8.
A loader cleared snow from bridge decks and gritting of the highway is underway to provide traction overnight and in the morning, says John Keenan, Maintenance Contract Manager, Waka Kotahi South Canterbury.
“Thanks to all the drivers who waited for the highway to reopen or took alternative routes while deep snow and ice and other vehicles that needed to be towed out made the journey impassable today and yesterday,” he says.
Highways will be gritted overnight given more ice is forecast. Drivers need to take a cautious approach, avoid sudden braking and be prepared in the morning for ice.
Crews will be working on the roads around Canterbury, Marlborough, the West Coast and Otago for the next few days to repair potholes and damage. Some sections may have Stop/Go traffic management and single lanes. People need to drive to the conditions and take care around road crews.
