The NZ Transport Agency is keeping State Highway 6 between Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers closed today after closing it earlier this morning after two slips covered the highway, triggered by torrential rain.

The highway will remain closed overnight to Wednesday morning as the intense rain continues to fall, says Transport Agency Network Manager Colin Hey. The next update will be 8 am tomorrow.

“Our crews are clearing the slips on the Fox Hills, but given the rainfall intensity, we will keep this stretch of highway between the glaciers closed today as we are anticipating more slips and it is not safe for people to be on the highway in these conditions,” says Mr Hey.

He advised people on other parts of State Highway 6 to avoid all but essential travel. People cannot get north of Fox Glacier if heading north or south of Franz Josef if heading south. (See map below).

The Waiho River in Franz Josef is running extremely high as is the Fox River.(See West Coast Regional Council data links below)

Fox River Bridge taken from the south side earlier today:

“For people who have to use the roads around South Westland and further north today, please keep your speeds down, there will be surface flooding. Please watch out for speed restrictions, debris and road crews. Use your lights,” says Mr Hey.

• South Westland closure here, check for updates – next one 8 am Wednesday: http://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/roadclosures/250772

West Coast Regional Council rainfall and river data:

https://www.wcrc.govt.nz/our-region/river-level-and-rainfall/Pages/default.aspx

http://data.wcrc.govt.nz/cgi-bin/HydWebServer.cgi

Westland District Council Civil Defence updates:

https://www.westlanddc.govt.nz/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/westlanddistrictcouncil/

MetService: https://www.metservice.com/warnings/severe-weather-warnings

Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with:

• Traffic updates: nzta.govt.nz/traffic

• Facebook: facebook.com/NZTAsouthisland
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• Twitter Otago/Southland: twitter.com/NZTACWC
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• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz
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