UPDATE: November 28, 3.50pm – SH96 fully reopened after fire closure

Following a closure because of a nearby vegetation fire, State Highway 96 between the intersections of State Highway 1 and Waimumu Road is now fully reopened and clear of traffic management.

We thank people for their patience.

November 28, 10am – Highway partially reopens after fire

State Highway 96 near Mataura has reopened to one lane of traffic following a nearby vegetation fire yesterday.

The road remained closed overnight for firefighters to ensure the blaze was contained.

The section of SH96 between the intersections of SH1 and Waimumu Road is now open to the single lane, with a temporary reduced speed limit of 30km/h, and road users are being asked to stop on request. Please take extra care along this route.

November 27, 4.30pm – Southland highway to stay closed overnight

State Highway 96 near Mataura is expected to remain closed overnight as efforts continue to contain a nearby vegetation fire.

The blaze is one of several in Southland today as strong winds and warm temperatures have affected much of the South Island. Warnings have been in place for highway travel across the island.

The closure of SH96 between the intersections of SH1 and Waimumu Road is due to be reassessed tomorrow.

A detour remains available: Eastbound traffic should turn left onto Waimumu Road, right onto Paterson Road, continue on Glendhu Road and back onto SH1. The reverse for applies for westbound traffic.

November 27, 3.20pm – Vegetation fire closes Southland highway

A section of State Highway 96 near Mataura in Southland has been closed because of a nearby vegetation fire.

The closure affects SH96 between the intersections of SH1 and Waimumu Road.

A detour is available: Eastbound traffic should turn left onto Waimumu Road, right onto Paterson Road, continue on Glendhu Road and back onto SH1. The reverse for applies for westbound traffic.

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