Crown Range Closure Tonight – Black Ice Media Release

Forecast overnight temperatures have led to a decision by the Queenstown Lakes District Council to close the Crown Range alpine pass overnight tonight. Heavy snow last night has left the pavement saturated with snowmelt on going.

“Temperatures overnight could be as cold as -13C, which means black ice is inevitable and conditions likely to be treacherous. It comes down to a matter of public safety,” QLDC chief executive Adam Feeley said.

The alternate route via the Kawarau Gorge added only an additional 15 minutes and a lot less anxiety.

“We recommend that people who are not confident driving in winter conditions consider taking the alternate route during winter. At the very least travelling across the Crown Range, motorists must not only carry chains but be prepared to fit them,” he said.

The road will be closed from 8pm tonight, re-opening from 6am tomorrow.

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