The NZ Transport is advising drivers that SH6 from Hokitika to Haast and SH73 Arthurs Pass between Arthurs pass township and Jackson are likely to remain closed overnight due to widespread surface flooding and slips.
Drivers are being urged to avoid all but essential travel in the area.
NZ Transport Agency Regional Systems Manager Pete Connors says contractors are monitoring the situation closely, but with heavy rain still affecting the region it is likely the highways will remain closed until morning for safety reasons.
“It is still raining steadily in the region, and there is widespread surface flooding and several slips that our crews have been unable access. The situation is being constantly assessed, and our primary consideration is the safety of road users, as well as the safety of crews working to clear slips and un-block culverts. If the road remains closed overnight, a full assessment of the route will be made at first light tomorrow.”
Mr Connors says surface flooding is also continuing to affect other sections of the West Coast Roads. Drivers are being urged to avoid all but essential travel, and extra care is advised for those who are travelling in the area.
Please check the MetService severe weather warnings for updates(external link)
For information on the latest driving conditions, go to the Traffic and Travel map(external link), or phone 0800 4HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49).
Driving conditions across most parts of the South Island are ever changing with this event, strong winds and rain. Please keep updated and plan ahead.
State Highways: warnings & closures
Nelson / Marlborough
- SH 6 Renwick to Rai Valley – Caution – Strong Winds - Extra care is required by caravans, campervans, high sided vehicles and motorbikes.
- SH 6 Hira – Caution – Strong Winds - Extra care is required by caravans, campervans, high sided vehicles and motorbikes.
- SH 60 Riwaka to Takaka – Caution – Rain - Road users are advised to plan ahead for their journeys and to take extra care on this road, due to forecast rain between 10 am Thursday & 9 am Friday.
Canterbury (Including Alpine / Mountain Passes)
- SH 73 Yaldhurst to Arthurs Pass – Caution – Strong Winds - Care required by caravans, campervans, high sided vehicles and motor bikes.
- SH 73 Arthurs Pass to Jacksons – ROAD CLOSED - Slip – Road closed due to surface flooding, washouts and slips.
- SH 7 Hanmer Turnoff to Springs Junction – Caution – Strong Winds - Care required by caravans, campervans, high sided vehicles and motor bikes.
West Coast
- SH 6 Harihari to Fox Glacier – ROAD CLOSED - Surface Water – Due to flooding the road has been closed.
- SH 6 Hokitika to Harihari – ROAD CLOSED - Surface Water – Due to flooding the road has been closed.
- SH 6 Fox Glacier to Haast – Caution – Surface Water - Surface water across road in South Westland. Heavy rain forecast. Keep up to date with road and weather conditions and drive slowly.
- SH 6 Fox Westport to Inangahua – Caution – Surface Water - Surface water across road in various areas. Keep up to date with road and weather conditions and drive slowly.
Otago
- SH 90 Tapanui to McNab SH 1 Junction (Willowbank) – Caution – Flooding – Due to surface flooding near Waikaka Rd intersection, there is a temporary speed restriction of 30 km/h in place. Road users are advised to take extra care.
- SH 6 Queenstown to Lumsden (Kingston) – Caution – Surface Water – In the southbound lane near the Oxford St intersection. Road users are advised to take extra care.
