Treacherous conditions remain on many state highways – NZTA

The NZ Transport Agency is advising motorists that while several state highways have now re-opened to traffic, driving remains treacherous in many parts of the country and a number of highways remain closed due to the extreme weather conditions as heavy snow continues to fall in parts of the country.

Although road crews are working hard in difficult conditions to clear snow from key routes, some roads are likely to remain closed overnight.

Current weather-related state highway closures are:

• SH87 Outram To Middlemarch
• SH 85 Palmerston To Kyeburn
• SH2 Nuhaka To Gisborne
• SH2 Rimutaka Hill
• SH35 Waipiro
• SH93 Clinton to Mataura

Heavy snow, sleet and high winds are making conditions treacherous throughout the country. Motorists are urged to avoid all but urgent travel and to exercise extreme caution if they do need to drive.

NZTA’s Network Operations Manager Dave Bates says the Antarctic blasts that have brought heavy snow to many parts of the country today are expected to continue and keep temperatures below freezing this evening and overnight.

“Extensive efforts have been made to re-open roads and clear snow, however roads will remain wet and it is likely that sheet ice and black ice patches will form on roads making driving conditions treacherous overnight and tomorrow morning. We are advising road users that unless travel is essential that they stay at home until temperatures increase and ice begins to thaw. If road users must travel then additional caution is urged as a loss of control could occur even at relatively low speeds in these conditions.

“These are exceptional conditions and it is important that drivers appreciate how hazardous it is on the roads when snow and low temperatures combine in this way. The best advice is to stay safe by not making an unnecessary journey. Temperatures are forecast to rise through the day tomorrow so conditions should improve.”

The NZTA also advises that the Highway Info website is now back up and running after experiencing technical issues earlier today – the very latest information on state highway road closures, restrictions and travel advisories can be found on the site at www.highwayinfo.govt.nz