Snow has closed two highways inland South Canterbury

Snow has closed two South Canterbury state highways after midday today – State Highway 8, Twizel to Fairlie, and State Highway 80 Aoraki/ Mt Cook to Ben Ohau. People intending to use these highways should postpone their journeys and check the NZ Transport Agency’s web maps for updates on the highways’ status later today.

Police are also updating the snow situation at this link and report that up to 30 vehicles have been towed out already.

The Transport Agency’s Winter Journeys campaign aims to encourage drivers to be safe and plan ahead to reduce the risk of crashes over the winter months. Planning ahead is crucial if drivers want to enjoy safe travel and avoid delays, says Lee Wright. Transport Agency Journey Manager.
“Be prepared for winter driving conditions by checking your car and the road conditions before setting off. Use the NZ Transport Agency’s Winter Journeysand the Traffic & Travel web pages for helpful tips on how to make journeys safer & more comfortable this winter.”

How to stay up to date:

• Find safe winter driving tips at www.nzta.govt.nz/winterjourneys
• Canterbury highways updates link here.
• The key traffic and travel source which provides up-to-date information on weather and road conditions is www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic
• Important information is also shared via the Transport Agency’s official Twitter and Facebook accounts listed here https://www.nzta.govt.nz/contact-us/connect-with-us/
• Drivers can also call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) to speak to the call centre team for traffic and travel information.
• MetService severe weather warnings here.
• MetService road snowfall warnings here. (http://www.metservice.com/warnings/road-snowfall-warnings)

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