The NZ Transport Agency is advising road users that SH73 from Arthurs Pass to Jacksons is unlikely to open today. There is an Alternate Route in place via Lewis Pass SH7, please add around an hour and a half to your journey. Goat Creek Bridge is still intact, the western approach embankment has been washed away.
Heavy plant, machinery and contractor resource is on site at Goat Creek Bridge assessing the damage.
SH6 from Hokitika to Fox Glacier continues to remain closed, we are hopeful to open that section today, with more information to come at 9am.
Drivers are being urged to drive with care and at safe speeds, they will still be debris and surface flooding on the roads. There will be speed restrictions is place and one lane sections.
Mr Connors says surface flooding is also continuing to affect other sections of the West Coast Roads and around Canterbury.
“We apologise for the inconvenience this may cause, and we’re asking people to be patient and drive with extra caution. Our contractors are working hard to get the roads open again. Please add extra time to your journey and keep updated on the road conditions.”
For information on the latest driving conditions, go to the Traffic and Travel map(external link), or phone 0800 4HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49).
Please check the MetService severe weather warnings for updates(external link)