The NZ Transport Agency is warning drivers planning on driving State Highway 8 (Omarama, Tekapo, Twizel, Mt Cook, Fairlie), to be aware another snow shower is forecast around 4 pm and the highway could close again.
NZ Transport Agency crews reopened the Lewis Pass (SH7) between the Hanmer Springs turnoff and Springs Junction at 11 am today also Otago’s Lindis Pass (SH8) Omarama to Tarras and the Haast highway, which was closed on the Otago side (SH6) to Hawea.
The NZ Transport Agency is advising all South Island road travellers to check their Traffic and Travel website and the map showing area warnings and highway closures for highway updates before heading off this morning.
The NZ Transport Agency advises road users to be prepared and stay safe as the snow moves up the South Island. Contractors will be working overnight on snow and ice-affected roads.
The South Island is experiencing cold, freezing weather, snow, sleety showers and ice today. Driving is treacherous in many places and drivers need to slow down on both icy roads and gritted roads.
Otago and Southland people should be ready for icy roads overnight and Thursday morning, 6 July, says John Jarvis, Senior Network Manager, NZ Transport Agency.
State Highway 8 near Lake Pukaki, South Canterbury, is currently closed due to a serious crash late this afternoon. Drivers are advised to postpone their journeys between Hayman Road and Tekapo Canal Road this evening as the closure could be in place for some time.
The NZ Transport Agency is instigating a No Parking rule along State Highway 6, through Frankton, from the lower Shotover Bridge to the BP Roundabout then back to the Kawarau Falls bridge, past the turnoff to Queenstown Airport.
Snow has closed two South Canterbury state highways after midday today – State Highway 8, Twizel to Fairlie, and State Highway 80 Aoraki/ Mt Cook to Ben Ohau.
