26 June 2018 | SOUTHERN REGION

South Island drivers, in the alpine areas and the lower half of the island should be on the lookout for black ice and slippery conditions as a cold front sweeps up the country today, says the NZ Transport Agency’s Network Operations Manager Tresca Forrester.

Snow and ice closed a number of routes overnight and into this morning.

As at 10 am, just one South Island highway, SH7, was closed due to a late freeze of ice on the Lewis Pass, between Hanmer Springs and Springs Junction – with an update at 11 am. http://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/regions/11

• Arthur’s Pass, SH73, is open for vehicles with chains and no-towing vehicles.
• The Lindis Pass, Omarama to Tarras and Cromwell closed overnight but opened after 7 am.
• The Milford Road, SH94, was closed overnight but reopened at 10 am.
• SH93 Clinton to Mataura reopened at 7.30 am after an overnight closure.
The Crown Range Road between Wanaka and Queenstown was closed and remained closed at 10 am today, updates on Queenstown Lakes District’sFacebook page. https://www.facebook.com/QLDCinfo/

Slow down, be ready for black ice in shaded places
“In many areas of Southland, Otago and Canterbury drivers are urged to take care and drive to the winter conditions,” says Ms Forrester. “Slow down, watch for black ice morning and night on bridges, under trees and areas of highway which have been shaded. Grit will be spread on many highways which also requires drivers to slow down.”

ends

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