20 June 2013

NZ Transport Agency - Southern Region

Alpine passes remain closed overnight

Alpine passes throughout the South Island will remain closed to all traffic overnight.

State Highway 7 (Lewis Pass) is closed from the Hanmer Springs turnoff to Springs Junction and State Highway 73 is closed from Springfield to Arthur’s Pass. Motorists can still travel to Hanmer Springs but are advised there is snow on the highway.

The NZ Transport Agency Canterbury-West Coast State Highway Operations Manager Pete Connors says there has been heavy snow falls on many of the alpine passes today and motorists are warned these passes will remain closed overnight and into the morning.

“Whether these passes can open in the morning will depend on what happens overnight. Heavy snow falls are still being forecast for the alpine areas and we will be updating the situation at 9am.”

He says Lindis Pass and Burkes Pass on State Highway 8 are both closed, along with State Highway 79 Geraldine to Fairlie and State Highway 80 from Glentanner to Mount Cook.

“There have been some serious snow falls in these areas, while other roads in the region are flooded and experiencing high winds. Motorists are being advised to avoid travelling overnight if at all possible.”

Mr Connors says if travel cannot be avoided, motorists are asked to check the website: http://www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/current-conditions/highway-info/road/8373/south-island.html
or call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) for the latest traveller information.

ENDS

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