MEDIA RELEASE

26 March 2019

West Coast’s South Westland highway – closure extended from south of Hokitika to Makarora, Otago

The NZ Transport Agency is extending the length of South Westland’s State Highway 6 closure due to concerns about rising rivers and heavy rain still to come later this afternoon.

The closure now runs from Makarora on the Otago side of the Haast Pass to south of Hokitika. All through traffic will be stopped at those two points.

The highway was closed between Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers earlier this morning after two slips covered the highway, triggered by torrential rain. More torrential rain is forecast for this afternoon, 4-10 pm, and the weather is now travelling north up the West Coast.

• Earlier media release: https://nzta.govt.nz/media-releases/west-coasts-south-westland-highway-to-remain-closed-today-and-overnight-due-to-intense-rain-slips-and-high-river-levels/

The highway will remain closed overnight to Wednesday morning, 8 am, says Transport Agency Network Manager Colin Hey.

“Given the forecast rain to come, and the rivers rising, closing the highway to through traffic now will help us keep people safe into the evening hours,” says Mr Hey.

West Coasters are advised to avoid all but essential travel.

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

“Anyone on other roads on the West Coast, please keep your speeds down, there will be surface flooding. 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
Westland District Council Civil Defence updates:
https://www.westlanddc.govt.nz/

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

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

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
• Twitter Otago/Southland: twitter.com/NZTAOCWC
• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)

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