Multiple state highways in the South Island are closed this morning due to snow — with dozens of cars abandoned overnight after becoming stuck.
New Zealand Transport Agency said State Highway 7 between Hanmer Springs and Springs Junction (Lewis Pass), State Highway 73 between Springfield and Castle Hill (Porters Pass) and State Highway 73 Otira to Castle Hill (Arthurs Pass) and State Highway 93 between Mataura to Clinton were all closed this morning due to snow.
Around 50 people. who left their cars. spent the night at accommodation in Arthurs Pass Village after the road was closed either side, RNZ reported.
New Zealand Transport Agency said winter driving conditions applied and extra care was needed on the roads.
A heavy snow watch remained in place for Central Otago south of Lake Wakatipu and Roxburgh, Clutha, Southland, Stewart Island, and Fiordland south of George Sound from 8am today until 3am Tuesday.
MetService said heavy snow at times above 300m was expected, and snowfall may approach warning criteria in places. It also said the snow could possibly affect roads. “Note that snow could cause disruption in areas below 300 metres, possibly affecting roads,” the weather agency said.
Road snowfall warnings were in place for Desert Road (State Highway 1), Lewis Pass State Highway 7), Lindis Pass (State Highway 8), Crown Range Road, Milford Road (State Highway 94) and Dunedin to Waitati Highway (State Highway 1) until later Monday evening.
“Drivers are urged to check road and weather conditions before travelling,” said New Zealand Transport Agency.
In a statement to 1News, police said Arthurs Pass between Otira and Castle Hill remained closed and directed further inquiries about road closures to New Zealand Transport Agency.
“Vehicles with chains that could be safely escorted were taken down to Springfield yesterday afternoon. The occupants of vehicles that couldn’t were helped to arrange accommodation.”
Police urged motorists to consider delaying travel today.
“We also strongly suggest checking NZTA’s journey planner before embarking on travel to ensure the roads you intend to travel are still open.
If you are out on the roads please keep your headlights on, slow down, make sure you are observing a cautious following distance, and put any distractions away.
Eastern Bay of Plenty
In the North Island, a large slip has also closed State Highway 2 between Waiotahe Valley Back Rd and Paerata Ridge Rd, west of Opotiki. An update would be provided as soon as more information became available.
“Consider using an alternative route or allow extra time for a detour via Waiotahi Valley Back Rd, Verrall Rd, Paerata Ridge Rd before rejoining SH2,” said New Zealand transport agency.
Tāmaki Makaurau
In Auckland, New Zealand Transport Agency said extra care was required on the Harbour Bridge due to “severe” wind gusts.
“Please obey speed signs and maintain a safe following distance,” it said.
NZTA said it would continue to monitor wind speeds on the Auckland Harbour Bridge throughout Monday.
“A watch will be in place until 4pm and the bridge will remain in a 4 x 4 lane configuration during this period,” the agency said.
“Motorists are reminded to drive to the conditions and pay attention to electronic message boards on the motorway. These will show if reduced speed limits, lane closures, or a full closure — depending on wind thresholds — are in place.”
