MEDIA RELEASE
TRANSIT NEW ZEALAND DUNEDIN REGIONAL OFFICE

16 October 2007

Milford Road not affected by recent earthquake

Transit New Zealand advises the public that Milford Road on State Highway 94 is open and the first inspection after the earthquake early this morning showed no visible signs of damage to the road, bridges on it or the Homer Tunnel.

"While people in Te Anau area could definitely feel the earthquake in the early morning, our first inspection showed no damage to Milford Road, but we will continue to monitor the road for at least a week to make sure that the road remains safe," Transit regional networks operations manager Murray Clarke says.

The heavy snow in the last few days and forecasted storm later in the evening may mean that the road will be closed for traffic overnight from 5.30pm.

"The weather forecasters are also warning of extreme conditions tomorrow, so it is very likely we will have to keep the road closed during the day tomorrow as well," Murray Clarke says.

Transit's Milford Road information kiosk that has opened this winter just 8.5 kilometres from Te Anau, is operating and all road users heading towards Milford Sound will be informed of the latest road conditions.

"While the road is open at the moment, road users are required to carry chains and drive to the conditions," Murray Clarke says.

ENDS

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