The Transport Agency says people should put off all but non-essential travel on the Milford Road today due to high winds and driving rain that are making driving conditions challenging.
The Milford Road re-opened from the Hollyford turn-off to Milford Sound at 1pm today after being closed since 5pm yesterday because of heavy rain.
Transport Agency Senior Network Manager Peter Robinson says little let up is expected in the weather in along this section of the highway, with 5-10 centimetres of snow is predicted to fall to 400 metres and 10 – 15 centimetres over 800 metres from early evening.
The Homer Tunnel is about 900 metres above sea level.
“It is essential motorists carry chains if they have are travelling this route. Before setting off they should also phone 0800 44 44 49, or go to www.highwayinfo.govt.nz(external link) for the latest on road conditions.”
Peter Robinson said last nights closure was in anticipation of the heavy rain that was forecast and saw over 157mm of rain fell between midnight to 1pm today. This caused surface flooding and bought down a large tree on to the highway at Walker Creek, in the Eglington Valley area.
The road will close at 5pm today from the Hollyford turn-off and the situation will be reviewed at 8am tomorrow.
