12 July 2017 | SOUTHERN REGION
Burkes and Lindis Passes, (SH8) South Canterbury into Otago, overnight closure possible, be prepared for more snow later
today
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.
The highway travels through Burkes and Lindis Passes, through Fairlie, Lake Tekapo and Omarama, Twizel and to the Mt
Cook highway or onto Wanaka and Queenstown.
Drivers need to carry chains and will need to leave close to 2 pm to get through the two passes before the forecast 4 pm
snow, the Transport Agency’s roading contractors warn.
The additional snow forecast could very likely lead to road closures overnight.
Drivers who do not have chains can make their way out onto SH1 via Omarama and SH83 through Kurow.
“Drive to the winter conditions, look out for ice in shaded and low areas and take extra care on the Otematata saddle.
Motorists can then continue south or north along State Highway 1,” says Transport Agency Journey Manager Lee Wright.
ends