With snow falling heavily over parts of the southern and central South Island, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency’s highway teams ask everyone to stay off the highways and roads unless they are well prepared for the conditions and poor visibility. People need to check their route first. https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic

“Conditions are changing very quickly,” says Waka Kotahi’s Maintenance Contract Manager for Southland Justin Reid.

“Please check our traffic maps before you head out and be well prepared for cold conditions and slippery roads with poor visibility. Some routes are currently closed or have just reopened mid-morning, but snow is continuing.”

There are a few cars that have slid off the road around Otago and Southland and roads may be temporarily closed to clear cars or trucks from the sides of roads.

Areas to be aware of Southland and Otago:

• SH94 has now reopened Mossburn to the Key – but it is still snowing heavily. Roads are being snow ploughed especially around Gorge Hill this morning. https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/roadclosures/315158
• Te Anau to Milford Sound Piopiotahi SH94 closed over the weekend due to avalanche risk and today through to Tuesday, snow coming in. https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/roadclosures/314931
• SH96 – Ohai to Nightcaps snow is settling and is getting heavier as of 11 am today, drive with caution. https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/legs/126/nightcaps-to-ohai
• SH6 please avoid or delay your travel between Kingston and Queenstown – snowing heavily especially on Jollies Hill area, ploughs active. https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/areawarnings/315187
• Further afield Cromwell to Queenstown, Central Otago, SH6 https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/areawarnings/315191
• The Lindis Pass, Cromwell to Omarama SH 8 is also catching snow today and drivers need to take care.
• Snow also on SH93 (Mataura to Clinton).

Central Otago highways open but caution required

“All Central Otago state highways are currently open as at 11 am Monday with caution advised. Crews are patrolling and clearing as required across the network,” says Waka Kotahi Central Otago Maintenance Contract Manager Mark Stewart.

Canterbury-West Coast – Lewis Pass open again

The Lewis Pass, SH7, linking Canterbury to Nelson and the West Coast has now reopened after closing early this morning due to snow. https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/regions/13

Chains are essential on the Arthur’s Pass route between Canterbury and the West Coast, SH73 and the highway is closed to towing vehicles: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/areawarnings/315147

SH6 between Franz Josef and Fox Glacier towns closed as at 10 am today due to snow and need to remove a truck. Next update midday.https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/roadclosures/315170

• https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic

Southland updates here: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/regions/14

Otago updates here: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/regions/13

West Coast updates here: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/regions/12

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