Snow means s’no way through Desert Road between Rangipo and Waiouru

10.52am update - State Highway 1 Desert Road is now OPEN.

It had been closed between Rangipo and Waiouru since 4.40am due to snow.

Reminder: Driving on roads that have been snow and ice can be treacherous, so slow down and drive to the conditions, not the allowable/legal speed limit. Increase the following distance between you and the vehicle ahead.

7.36am:

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency advises State Highway 1 Desert Road is closed between Rangipo and Waiouru due to heavy snowfall.

There is a detour in place, via State Highway 49,  State Highway 4, State Highway 47 and State Highway 46 for northbound traffic. Southbound traffic should use the same route, in reverse.

Waikato System Manager Maintenance and Operations, Cara Lauder, says despite the recent shift to spring, people should expect winter driving conditions on the road.

“Plan ahead and allow extra time for your journeys and drive to the road and weather conditions. Consider delaying unnecessary travel.

“Maintain a greater following distance between your vehicle and the one in front, and to slow down and be prepared for unexpected hazards.”

Waka Kotahi expects to provide an update by midday.

People should also prepare for other state highways in the Central Plateau to be affected and with additional traffic on the roads due to the school holidays, motorists are asked to take extra care on slippery roads.

Ms Lauder says motorists can prepare by ensuring their vehicles are safe, roadworthy and well equipped.

“Make sure you have a safe spare tyre, your lights, brakes and windscreen-wipers are all working, and you have a clean windscreen inside and out. Ensure your cell phone is well charged and carry a car phone charger or power bank. Blankets, snacks and bottles of water are also a good idea, in case of an emergency or breakdown.”

Motorists can visit the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner website for up to date information on road closures, detours, road works, traffic and delays(external link)

The Waka Kotahi website contains more easy tips for safe driving in winter conditions

Waka Kotahi thanks motorists for their patience.

Winter driving tips

• Check weather and travel conditions on highways before you start your trip and on breaks throughout your journey:
  • use the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner website(external link)
  • or call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49).
• Ensure your car is safe and equipped: spare tyre, warrant of fitness up-to-date, lights, brakes and wind-wipers all working, clean windscreen inside and out, check tyre treads to ensure good grip.
• If you are travelling long distances, share the driving and have regular breaks.
• Wear your seat belt throughout the journey and check your passengers have theirs clicked in too.
• Driving on roads that are exposed to snow and ice can be treacherous, so slow down and drive to the conditions, not the allowable/legal speed limit. Increase the following distance between you and the vehicle ahead.
• Be prepared when travelling in case of delays on the road, particularly in alpine conditions. Make sure you have warm clothes/food/water/charged mobile phone. In an emergency, phone 111. Bear in mind some parts of the highway have no cell coverage.
• Learn about winter driving, including how to get your vehicle ready and if you are driving in an area where chains may be needed, practise putting them on before you go so you are not caught out. 

Winter driving tips