The Transport Agency says the weather holds the key to its efforts to get State highway 94 to Milford Sound open again, after it was closed by slips and avalanches caused by a major storm earlier this week.
The Te Anau to Knobs Flat section of the highway re-opened yesterday.
Transport Agency Southland Area Manager Peter Robinson says good progress has been made today on clearing the road through to the eastern entrance to the Homer Tunnel.
“As the debris is removed we are getting a better idea of the extent of the damage to the road pavement. In several places it is severe and a temporary road surface will have to be used until full repairs can be completed in the late spring/summer period.”
Peter Robinson says unfortunately bad weather including snow is forecast for the next 24 hours. If this rough weather eventuates, it could slow or even halt road clearing work tomorrow. Conditions are so changeable in this area with no givens where the weather is concerned.
We will re-assess the situation tomorrow morning and then make a decision on a date for reopening the road. At this stage given the weather forecast, getting the road back in action tomorrow is looking a bit of a long shot.
The latest on information on Milford Road can be found at www.highwayinfo.govt.nz(external link) or by phoning 0800 444499.
