Icy road conditions on the Central Plateau, drive with care
26 May 2015
Icy road conditions on the
Central Plateau, drive with care
People
travelling on the Central Plateau are being urged to take
extreme care tonight and tomorrow morning as temperatures
are expected to drop below freezing.
Icy road conditions forecast tonight are expected to last well into tomorrow morning.
The NZ Transport Agency’s acting regional performance manager Mercedes Santos says the winter conditions are nothing new but arriving in May might surprise some travellers.
“Motorists can keep
themselves safe by lowering their speed, increasing their
following distances, and taking extra care when
cornering,” she says.
Ms Santos says icy conditions
mean trips take longer and motorists should allow more time
to travel.
“It is also a good idea to check your
vehicle before setting off to ensure it is safe for
travelling on wet and icy road conditions,” she
says.
“Check your tyres, brakes, windscreen wipers,
lights and steering and ensure your vehicle has a current
Warrant of Fitness.
Transport Agency contractors will be
out laying de-icing chemicals and grit which will keep roads
open but those options can’t be used in rain and road
closures are possible.
The roads to take extra care
on are:
· SH1 (between Waiouru and Turangi)
· SH4 (between Owhango and Raetihi)
· SH46 (all of this route)
· SH47 (all of this route)
· SH49 (all of this route)
· the Napier-Taupo Road (SH5) and over the Waitui Saddle on SH41 east of Taumarunui.
ends