South Island Highways update 4.30 pm Tuesday

The NZ Transport Agency advises road users to be prepared and stay safe as the snow moves up the South Island. Contractors will be working overnight on snow and ice-affected roads.

Snow has been falling over the southern South Island since midday, in Central and South Canterbury since 2pm and falling heavily in Tekapo. Many roads in Otago are still affected by ice. In Southland there are numerous road area warnings of ice and black ice.

• State Highway 8 (Lindis and Burkes Passes) is closed from Omarama to Tarras and Fairlie to Lake Tekapo due to snow. Drivers can take SH1 via Ashburton and Timaru.
• SH85 Becks to Wedderburn, Ranfurly, Central Otago, is closed due to snow.

Alpine passes
The alpine passes, Lewis and Arthurs, (SH7 and SH73) are still clear with drizzle getting heavier and occasional sleet showers. Drivers should keep an eye on the Transport Agency’s Traffic and Travel pages for any changes.

Kaikoura inland road
On the Kaikoura inland road via Waiau/ Mt Lyford (Route 70) snow is forecast for this evening. In the event that the Inland 70 Route could be closed on Wednesday, SH1 south of Kaikoura will be open during the day time. Gales and high seas are also forecast for SH1 Kaikoura coast.

Transport Agency Journey Manager Lee Wright urged drivers to be prepared and stay safe and think about the route they are taking. On alpine passes, drivers should carry chains and know how to use them.

• The key traffic and travel source which provides up-to-date information on weather and road conditions is www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic
• Drivers can also call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) to speak to the call centre team who can provide them with traffic and travel information either before they’re travelling or when they’re on the road, safely parked off the highway

Simple guidelines for safe winter travelling

•do you need to travel today? If you do, think about the best route to take and build in extra time.
•ensure your vehicle is safe for winter driving
•drive to the road and weather conditions
•slow down and be prepared for unexpected hazards
•allow greater following distance between you and the vehicle ahead
•make sure your cell phone is well charged, check car charger also
•have blankets, snacks, bottles of water ready in case of emergency or a breakdown.

Road snowfall warnings: please check for updates on the MetService snow updates page.

State Highways: closures as at late this afternoon

• State Highway 8 (Lindis and Burkes Passes) is closed from Omarama to Tarras and Fairlie to Lake Tekapo due to snow. Drivers can take SH1 via Ashburton and Timaru.
• SH85 Becks to Wedderburn, Ranfurly, Central Otago, is closed due to snow. This highway may remain closed overnight. Update 5 pm.

Warnings/ places to take extreme care – snow and ice:
• SH82 Kurow to Waimate - Ice
• SH80 Aoraki Mount Cook National Park to Ben Ohau - Snow and Ice
• SH6 Ross to Haast Pass - Icy conditions
• SH8 Clarksville To Raes Junction - Ice
• SH90 Raes Junction to Mcnab - Ice
• SH1 Palmerston to Balclutha - Ice
• SH87 Kyeburn to Mosgiel – Black Ice
• SH85 Palmerston to Kyeburn – Snow and Ice
• Crown Range - Snow - Chains must be fitted by all vehicles
• SH6 Arrow Junction to Kingston - Snow and Ice
• SH85 Kyeburn to Alexandra - Snow and Ice
• SH8 Omarama to Tarras - Snow and Ice
• SH6 Hawea to Haast Pass - Snow and Ice
• SH8 Washdyke to Omarama - Snow and Ice
• SH94 Milford Road, Ice, no towing Hollyford to Chasm

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