South Island

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Arthurs Pass, SH73

Kia ora media, freight people and others – this work on the McGrath Creek Bridge on the Otira route, SH73, scheduled for 19-24 May and 26-31 May, over night periods, has been postponed for the time being.

We will let you know if this project resumes in coming weeks.

Arthur’s Pass, SH73, overnight closures for two weeks at McGrath Creek – now postponed | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (nzta.govt.nz)

Lyttelton Tunnel, SH74, overnight closures end of May to test tunnel’s fire safety

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is planning three nights of intermittent closures in the Lyttleton Tunnel to test its fire protection system.

The fire protection system, which uses water sprinklers evenly spread along the tunnel, was completed in 2019.

It gets a full check every two years, says Steve Rusbatch, Maintenance Contract Manager for NZTA in North Canterbury.

The testing will run between 11 pm and 5 am Tuesday to Thursday nights/Friday early morning, 28 – 30 May, opening each hour to let traffic through.

  • Traffic volumes are very low at this time of night.
  • The last bus at 11 pm won’t be affected.
  • Traffic will be able to get through on the hour.
  • Emergency vehicles will be allowed through regardless.

Snow this weekend southern and central South Island/Te Waipounamu

MetService is forecasting a cold front bringing snow to road level from the Milford Road and Southland over Otago into South Canterbury and the southern lakes area this weekend, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).

The snow is forecast to hit the road around 7 am Saturday at the southern end on the Milford Road. “The front may stall for a time,” says MetService, which could result in heavy snow in some places.

NZTA’s Southland and Otago Journey Manager Nicole Felts advises people who are driving along these routes to be prepared for snow, to drive to the conditions and check the NZTA traffic and travel maps and MetService updates ahead of setting off.

Southland

The front is forecast to move across north and north-west Southland from early Saturday, clearing from the south midday Saturday.

SH94 Gore/Mossburn to Te Anau, the Milford Road, and SH6 Invercargill to Queenstown, could get 2-3 cm of snow to 400 metres. Between Athol and Kingston, up to 9 cm of snow could settle.

People should also watch for ice early Sunday, says Miss Felts.

Lindis Pass later on Saturday could get more snow – up to 20 cm

Although only 1-3 cm of snow is forecast for Porters Pass on SH73 west of Springfield, the Lindis Pass, SH8 linking Otago and Canterbury between Cromwell and Omarama could get 10-20 cm from noon Saturday through to early Sunday morning.

Anyone driving these routes, as well as Burkes Pass, the entrance to the Mackenzie District, around Lake Tekapo and Twizel and SH80 the highway into Mt Cook/ Aoraki should be prepared, says NZTA.

People should expect disruptions during this time and if they can avoid travelling overnight Saturday in these areas, that would be wise.

“Get to where you are going early, rather than later,” says Miss Felts.

Tips for driving in icy or light snow conditions:

  • Drive slower than normal
  • Slow ahead of bridge decks and shaded parts of the highway where it can be slippery with black ice a possibility.
  • Avoid sudden braking or turning movements that can cause you to skid
  • Gritted roads will help give traction but also require a slower speed
  • Use your highest gear when travelling uphill and your lowest downhill
  • Double the two second following rule at least – it takes longer to stop on ice
  • If it is foggy, drive with your lights dipped
  • Plan your trip to avoid the coldest times of the day or night if you can.


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