NZ Transport Agency is reminding all central and lower South Island drivers that for the remainder of this week, the severity of the colder daytime and overnight temperatures will pose an ongoing issue for ice across the network.

Spokesman Mark Pinner said “Whilst our crews and gritting teams will be doing all they can, road closures will likely still occur, especially overnight and into mid-morning.

NZTA has reopened SH73 over Porters Pass at 8AM today, with restrictions at this stage. People will need to put chains on their tyres and no towing vehicles will be allowed between Springfield and Castle Hill.

• On the West Coast side of SH73, Arthur’s Pass to Kumara Junction, there is a strong wind warning in place which also covers SH6 Westport to Haast.
• A section of SH6 Franz Josef to Whataroa is closed due to power lines on the highway due to the winds.
• A strong wind warning also covers SH7 on the West Coast side, Reefton back to the Lewis Pass, but the road is open.

South Canterbury

Other highways in South Canterbury closed overnight remain closed at this stage with ice and snow conditions – SH80 to Mt Cook/ Aoraki, SH8 Twizel to Fairlie (Burkes Pass).

A new section of SH79 Fairlie to Skipton/Gudex Road (the road to Geraldine) was closed earlier today also.

There is snow on SH77 from Methven to the Rakaia Gorge, care is needed.

Otago – one closure so far

SH85 Kyeburn to Palmerston is closed due to snow this morning, next update 1 pm. Check the traffic and travel page for updates.

There are ice warnings on the highways inland and north of Dunedin – SH85 Omakau to Kyeburn, SH87 Kyeburn to Outram and SH1 Waitati to Dunedin over the Leith Saddle.

• It is snowing currently on SH87 Kyeburn to Outram so it could also end up with a closure.

Check before you go

People should check NZTA’s highway map before setting out around the central and southern South Island, particularly overnight in winter and in the morning. Avoid night-time travel if you can.