First the Rain, Then the Snow?

Dunedin (Wednesday, 19 June 2013) – It looks like a week of wild weather.

With snow forecast for some areas later today and tomorrow, the Dunedin City Council is reminding people to be particularly careful when driving, cycling or walking to work or school.

For the most up-to-date information on local road conditions visit www.dunedin.govt.nz/road-conditions.

DCC Roading Maintenance Engineer Peter Standring says contractors out in the field update the website in real time so the information is current. The page shows which local roads are closed, including state highways. During snow events, the roading focus is on main arterial roads.

If Dunedin gets a heavy snowfall, visit the DCC’s home page - www.dunedin.govt.nz - to access useful details such as whether buses are running, if libraries and other facilities are open, and whether your rubbish will be collected.

Flooding and slips earlier in the week mean more than 20 local roads are still closed, although detours are available for most routes.

Mr Standring says contractors are making the usual preparations before a significant weather event. That includes ensuring equipment such as grit trucks are located around the wider city area and that teams are rested and ready to go.

Contractors were still busy dealing with flooding, slips and rockfalls caused by recent heavy rain so any snow would add to workloads. With the ground already saturated, if snow and high winds occur, more trees are likely to come down.

He urged people to pay particular attention to both weather and location. Current conditions mean there is a higher likelihood of encountering obstacles on the road, such as rocks, branches or slips.

Mr Standring says the DCC and its contractors do their best to keep local roads clear and to keep people informed about road conditions, but they must make their own travel decisions.

For winter driving tips - www.dunedin.govt.nz/winter-driving.

ENDS

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