The last few highways still closed by yesterday’s heavy snowfall should be opening around lunchtime or early afternoon today, says Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

Some stuck trucks had to be towed off the Lindis and Burkes Passes and from SH8 either side of Tekapo this morning before the highways could re-open.

People need to check these links before heading off:

• Fairlie to Lake Pukakai/ SH80 turnoff via Burkes Pass update: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/roadclosures/390544
• Aoraki/ Mt Cook via Glentanner update here (SH80): https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/roadclosures/390544
• Lindis Pass, Omarama to Tarras SH8 update: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/roadclosures/390494

There are a number of warnings remaining on other highways affected by yesterday’s heavy rainfall and strong winds so please check this map. This includes SH1 between Seddon and Kaikōura. https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic

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

· Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic

• Facebook: facebook.com/NZTASouthIsland
• Twitter Top of the South: twitter.com/WakaKotahiTOTS
• Twitter Canterbury/West Coast: twitter.com/WakaKotahiCWC
• Twitter Otago/Southland: twitter.com/WakaKotahiOS
• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)

We have a vision of zero deaths and serious injuries on New Zealand roads. Learn more about:

· Road to Zero – our plan to achieve this vision

· Our vision – video explaining Road to Zero and what we’re trying to achieve

• What Waka Kotahi is doing to support Road to Zero

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