With snow falling heavily over parts of the southern and central South Island, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency’s highway teams ask everyone to stay off the highways and roads unless they are well prepared for the conditions and poor visibility.
Conditions are changing very quickly,” says Waka Kotahi’s Maintenance Contract Manager for Southland Justin Reid.
“Please check our traffic maps before you head out and be well prepared for cold conditions and slippery roads with poor visibility. Some routes are currently closed or have just reopened mid-morning, but snow is continuing.”
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There are a few cars that have slid off the road around Otago and Southland and roads may be temporarily closed to clear cars or trucks from the sides of roads.
“All Central Otago state highways are currently open as at 11 am Monday with caution advised. Crews are patrolling and clearing as required across the network,” says Waka Kotahi Central Otago Maintenance Contract Manager Mark Stewart.
The Lewis Pass, SH7, linking Canterbury to Nelson and the West Coast has now reopened after closing early this morning due to snow.
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Chains are essential on the Arthur’s Pass route between Canterbury and the West Coast, SH73 and the highway is closed to towing vehicles:
SH6 between Franz Josef and Fox Glacier towns closed as at 10 am today due to snow and need to remove a truck. Next update midday.
Road closure information(external link)
Journey planner(external link)
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