Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency advises that while State Highway 1 through the Desert Road remains closed between Waiouru and Rangipo due to snow, the route around the western side of the mountains has opened up.
Update 3.40pm:
State Highway 1 through the Desert Road is now open, as are other highways on the Central Plateau except for SH48.
SH1 Rangipo to Waiouru OPEN
SH1 Taihape to Waiouru OPEN
SH49 Waiouru to Ohakune OPEN
SH48 Bruce Road Whakapapa Village CLOSED
SH46 OPEN
SH47 OPEN
SH4 OPEN
SH3 OPEN
This updates the bulletin below.
11.46am traffic bulletin:
SH1 Taihape to Waiouru is now OPEN
SH49 Waiouru to Ohakune is now OPEN
SH1 Desert Road remains CLOSED
Waka Kotahi contractors are working to clear the Desert Road. There is no ETA for re-opening at this stage.
Freezing temperatures are forecast for both SH1 Desert Road, SH4 and SH47 – which could result in a closure of the north-south route again.
Road users should check the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner for up to date information.
Journey Planner(external link)
Waka Kotahi will issue another update as soon as the situation changes.
