All South Island state highways open this morning

All State Highways in the South Island are open to traffic this morning after being closed by flooding, slips and washouts for most of yesterday.

The New Zealand Transport Agency Acting Southern Region Director Ian Duncan says State Highway 6 from Haast to Makarora is now open, with both lanes of traffic operating.

“Contractors worked until late last night to get the road open by 6am this morning. They will be back on-site today cleaning out culverts and water tables and completing some general tidy up work.”

Work will continue today on State Highway 73 from Cass to Arthur’s Pass which is open to one lane of traffic. “Contractors will keep clearing this slip this morning and we hope to have two lanes open by later today.”

State Highway 94 from Lumsden to Te Anau was re-opened late yesterday and the Milford Road re-opened at 8.30am this morning for all traffic.

“There remains some surface flooding from Te Anau to the Homer Tunnel and motorists are advised to take care through the area and allow an extra 30 minutes travel time.”

Motorists are reminded that SH94 Milford Road will close again at 7pm, as has been the case since the end of November, because of safety concerns with rock fall risks in the area. These closures will continue until the end of January.

Mr Duncan says motorists plans should not be disrupted today, however with more rain forecast over the weekend, they are advised to check the NZTA website - www.nzta.govt.nz - or call the 0800 4 HIGHWAYS for the most up-to-date road and traffic information.

ENDS

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