The first convoy of essential services vehicles and material in and out of Milford Sound Piopiotahi, since torrential rain closed the highway two weeks ago, went well on Saturday.

“Twenty-five vehicles were able to get in and/or out of Milford Sound Piopiotahi and the highway temporary surface performed well,” says Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Journey Manager Peter Brown.

State Highway 94 is officially closed to all traffic bar emergency vehicles after the recent rain which significantly damaged several parts of the highway between Cascade Creek/ the Hollyford turnoff and Milford Sound Piopiotahi.

One convoy at weekend

“The decision was made on Saturday to cancel the Sunday and Monday convoys given the potential for more slips given the forecast for rain,” says Mr Brown.

“However, convoys of essential services vehicles (see list below for qualifying factors) will resume tomorrow, Tuesday, 18 February.”

Convoys Tuesday and Wednesday for essential services vehicles only

Convoys will run Tuesday and Wednesday, 18 and 19 February, departing from Cascade Creek carpark at 8 am with another convoy at 9 am and two return trips at 4 pm and 5 pm. (See details below).

Rain means that Thursday’s essential services convoys may be cancelled

More rain is forecast for Thursday so those convoys could well be cancelled, says Mr Brown. “Many of these new slips along SH94 are in places we have not seen before so we need to be cautious about how they will react with more rain, given the area is so wet already,” he says.

Essential services convoys, subject to weather – Tuesday and Wednesday planed at this stage

Twice a day - in and out:

• 8am East Gate in
• 9am Gulliver Gate back
• 4pm East Gate in
• 5pm Gulliver Gate back

Drivers will need to be at these two start and end places at these times to be part of the convoy.

Who is eligible for the essential services convoys?

Vehicles and drivers who will be able to take part in the essential services convoys will involve people transporting the following items: Fuel, food, freight, septic/ rubbish disposal, trades goods. Also contractors, staff of Milford Sound businesses in vans or coaches, commercial fishing industry and associated trades, air traffic control personnel.

Tourism buses to be included from Friday, 21 February

The aim is to increase access to Milford Sound Piopiotahi to include tourists/visitors on buses from Friday, 21 February. (Again, subject to weather and repairs to the road allowing access.)

Buses with a minimum of ten seats will be able to join the convoy at these times and places ie three convoys:

• 10.00 am East Gate in
• 11.30 am Chasm Gate back
• 12.30 pm East Gate in
• 1.30 pm Chasm Gate back
• 2.30 pm East Gate in
• 4.00 pm Chasm Gate back.

“The Transport Agency will be working closely with Emergency Management Southland given the State of Emergency remains in place until at least tomorrow when it will be reviewed,” says Mr Brown.

“We thank everyone for their patience while this essential work is underway. We are doing our best to provide a safe route for all road users and restore this important link to Milford.”

• Otago Daily Times footage from Saturday’s convoy here: https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/fiordland/relief-milford-sound-convoy-gains-access
• Recent photos of the highway at this link https://photos.app.goo.gl/UrgLzXvZLMvYZJpM7
• For updates on all Milford Sound Piopiotahi convoys and times, please check this link which will be updated regularly: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/roadclosures/289618
• Please note, SH94 is currently officially closed to all traffic outside the escorted convoys and for emergency services only.

Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with:

· Traffic updates: nzta.govt.nz/traffic

• Facebook: facebook.com/NZTAsouthisland
• Twitter Otago/Southland: twitter.com/NZTAOS
• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)

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