Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is warning drivers in Otago and Canterbury to be aware of slips and possible washouts on a number of routes.

“These slips and rockfalls will continue this week,” says Graeme Hall, System Manager for Waka Kotahi in Otago and Southland. “We encourage everyone to check our traffic map before heading off so they know which routes are closed or will take longer.”

· Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic

The Lindis Pass, SH8, between Omarama and Tarras, is the most slip-affected highway in the South Island/ Te Waipounamu currently. There are multiple slips and a bridge abutment needs a full inspection. It will be closed all day and overnight at least.

The Otago Regional Council is urging people to be cautious around rivers and low-lying areas. Rivers and streams around Central Otago and the upper Clutha continue to rise with the current deluges, expected to remain high today.

For details: https://www.orc.govt.nz/news-and-events/news-and-media-releases/2022/july/caution-urged-around-many-otago-waterways

• Waitaki District Council advice on bridge/road closures eg Lake Ohau Road and boil water notices: https://www.facebook.com/WaitakiDistrictCouncil

Otago closures

The Lindis Pass, Omarama to Tarras, SH8: Closed all day today and possibly into tomorrow. Multiple slips and a bridge abutment on the Otago side needs to be inspected today. “If the bridge abutment has to be repaired, it will keep the Lindis Pass closed into Wednesday,” says Mr Hall. https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/roadclosures/391592

SH6 Lake Hawea north to Haast: Closed due to fallen trees, flooding and strong winds after 7 am today. https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/roadclosures/391471

Te Anau to Milford Sound Piopiotahi highway between Hollyford and Donne rivers, SH94: Closed due to avalanche hazard but likely to open at midday with avalanche clearing going well so far. After 6 pm, if open, chains will be needed. Next update midday today. https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/roadclosures/391419

Canterbury closures/ areas of delay or slips

Aoraki/ Mt Cook, SH80: Closed between Ben Ohau and Aoraki/ Mt Cook due to a slip this morning. https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/roadclosures/392635

Omarama to Kurow, SH83: Flooding has closed this route since 7 am this morning. https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/roadclosures/391596

SH77 Methven to the Rakaia Gorge between Holmes and Mt Hutt Station Roads:

• A washout on this route means it is controlled by Stop/Go currently. https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/roadhazards/392646

An earlier washout between Blackford Road and Mt Hutt Station Road on SH77 is also active with narrow lanes and 30km/h. https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/roadhazards/390752

Local road closure due to bridge washout, Lake Ohau Road near Twizel: This road/bridge closure is about 300 metres from SH8. https://www.facebook.com/WaitakiDistrictCouncil

Strong wind warnings for SH73 Arthur’s Pass and SH7 Lewis Pass

People with campervans, caravans, high-sided vehicles and motorcyclists need to take care on these two key alpine passes.

• Hanmer Springs turnoff to Springs Junction: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/areawarnings/391487
• Springfield to Arthur’s Pass: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/areawarnings/391432

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

· Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic

• Facebook: facebook.com/NZTASouthIsland
• Twitter Canterbury/West Coast: twitter.com/WakaKotahiCWC
• Twitter Otago/Southland: twitter.com/WakaKotahiOS
• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)

We have a vision of zero deaths and serious injuries on New Zealand roads. Learn more about:

· Road to Zero – our plan to achieve this vision

· Our vision – video explaining Road to Zero and what we’re trying to achieve

• What Waka Kotahi is doing to support Road to Zero

© Scoop Media