Category: Transport

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency advises that the north-south route through the Central Plateau is compromised due to heavy snow and ice today and some vehicle crashes.

SH1 Desert Road is currently closed and is likely to remain closed for the rest of the day and possibly overnight if snow and icy conditions remain.

SH47 and SH46 are also closed.

Waka Kotahi contractors are under the pump, working hard to remove a truck which crashed on SH47 as well as clear earlier crashes in the area and keep the route around the western side of the Tongariro National Park open, while also clearing snow and ice from the Desert Road.

The detour route for SH1 between Waiouru and Tūrangi northbound, is to use SH49, SH4 and SH41 and the same route in reverse for southbound traffic.

Road users should avoid non-essential travel through this area, or consider using alternative routes. If you must travel, be aware that winter driving conditions exist on the detour route and be ready for icy and windy conditions.

It is important to check the journey planner before you leave as the situation may change:
journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic(external link).

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

12:05 pm:

Contractors have managed to reopen the highway to one lane.

Stop/Go traffic management and a 30km/hr speed limit are in place while road crews continue to clear the slip.

Drivers can expect delays when travelling through the area. We ask that they follow all temporary speed limits and follow the instructions of our contractors.

Road users should check the highway’s status before travelling through the area. Details can be found on the Waka Kotahi website.

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3 August 2023 11:50 am 

People travelling between Murchison and the West Coast will need to change their travel plans today as contractors work to clear a slip that has closed Highway 6 in the Upper Buller Gorge.

The slip, which is north of the Little Deep Creek Bridge, was reported just after 11 am. It has blocked both lanes of the highway.

Contractors are on-site and working to clear the debris. However, the route is currently closed to all traffic. 

Drivers heading through the area must use an alternative route or delay their travel. A detour is available via State Highway 65 and State Highway 7. However, it will mean longer travel times.

Updates on the highway’s status can be found on our website.

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

A lower temporary speed limit will be in place next week near the intersection of Princess Street and State Highway 3 in Waitara, to allow for soil sampling before the road is widened.

A 50 km/h speed limit will apply between Monday (7 August) and Friday (11 August) either side of the construction site. Currently the speed limit is 80 km/h.

The 50 km/h temporary restriction will apply each day next week between 9am and 5pm.

A 30km/h speed limit will continue to apply through the construction site.

The 50km/h temporary speed limit will be in place on one side of the construction site and then switch to the other side as the soil sampling progresses.

In the event of bad weather, the soil sampling will be pushed out to the next fine day.

We advise motorists to expect a slightly longer journey through the area and to plan ahead.

The widening of the road is part of Te Ara Tūtohu: Waitara to Bell Block safety improvements.

The project is making SH3 between Waitara and Bell Block safer for all road users and communities in the area.

As well as the Princess Street roundabout, which is currently under construction, new roundabouts will also be built at the intersections of Waitara Road, SH3A (Mountain Road) and De Havilland Drive, along with median barrier and other safety improvements.

For further information on Te Ara Tūtohu: Waitara to Bell Block and to sign up to email updates visit our project site.

Te Ara Tūtohu: Waitara to Bell Block

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

With 30,000 people expected to attend the All Blacks vs Wallabies Bledisloe Cup game on Saturday afternoon in Dunedin, many from far afield, people should plan to get there early, says Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

Waka Kotahi Journey Manager Nicole Felts asks everyone who is driving to check their routes and weather warnings ahead of the trip.

“We expect heavy traffic to and from Christchurch, as well as congestion around Ashburton, Timaru and in Dunedin city.

“Please take extra care on the roads and check the weather forecasts before you leave and the Waka Kotahi traffic and travel page for any updates.”

“Please exercise patience on the roads, especially around pedestrians, and build in extra time to get around Dunedin Saturday afternoon and evening. We want everyone to get to the game and back safely.”

Transport Operations Centre signal operators will be monitoring key intersections and adjusting green light time where needed.

There are simple things we can all do to help keep everyone on the roads safe in wintry conditions, says Miss Felts:

• Drive slower than you normally would – it only takes a split second to lose control in wet or icy conditions.
• Avoid sudden braking or turning movements that could cause you to skid.
• Use your highest gear when travelling uphill and your lowest downhill.
• For vehicles without anti-skid braking systems, to avoid skidding or sliding, smoothly pump the brake pedal in short bursts rather than pressing long and hard.
• Drive at a safe travelling distance because it takes longer to stop on slippery roads. In winter, especially in poor weather, double the two-second rule and leave a safe distance between you and the car you’re following.
• When travelling in fog, rain or snow, drive with your lights dipped.
• Makes sure everyone is wearing their seat belt throughout the full journey.

• Check your tyres, wipers, lights, indicators, spare tyre.
• Drive to the conditions – whether it’s the weather, the road you’re on, the time of day or the volume of traffic on the roads.
• Keep a safe following distance from vehicles in front so you can stop safely. Share the driving if possible.

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Waves up to four metres in height are predicted for the Kaikōura coast this evening, says Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

“People need to build some extra time into their trips particularly if they have a ferry to catch,” says Andrew Crofts, System Manager for Waka Kotahi in Canterbury.

“For everyone’s safety, if necessary, crews will pause traffic during the high tide at Ōhau Pt, north of Kaikōura, but only if the waves are overtopping the highway during this time.”

The high tide is at 5 pm tonight, 5.30 am Thursday morning and 6 pm Thursday evening.

“We encourage travellers to build extra time into their schedules for these evening and early morning tidal peaks,” he says.

Waves are forecast to reduce over the weekend.

There are also strong southwesterly gusts of 80 km/h and stronger today and lasting through into the end of the week, says Mr Crofts.

“Thanks to everyone for being patient along this route,” he says.

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Road users are being reminded to expect delays when traveling through State Highway 1/3 outside RNZAF Base Ohakea during two nights of stop/go traffic management next week.

Two temporary roads have been constructed either side of the state highway ahead of a new permanent roundabout being constructed at the entrance to Pukenui Road, outside Base Ohakea.

During next week’s stop/go traffic management, one of the temporary roads will be surfaced. At the same time, a temporary roundabout will be constructed on SH1/3 so traffic can safely turn at this location.

The stop/go traffic management will be in place between 7pm on Wednesday 9 August and 5am Thursday 10 August. The same stop/go management will be in place again on Thursday night/Friday morning.

A temporary speed limit of 30km/h will also be in place during these times to keep road users and roadworkers safe.

The temporary road on the western side of the state highway is expected to open next Friday (11 August). This road will mostly be for traffic into and out of Base Ohakea.  

A second temporary road to the east of the state highway is expected to open in the coming weeks.  We expect to finish construction of this second temporary road overnight on Sunday 27 and Monday 28 August between 7pm and 5am each night.

Waka Kotahi advises motorists to expect delays of up to 10 minutes while the stop/go is in place.

We aim to keep traffic moving through both work sites as quickly as possible, however, please plan your travel accordingly, and check the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner for live updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz

The works are weather dependent and in the event of bad weather, they will be delayed until the next fine period.

About the project

The project will make this busy stretch of road between Bulls and Sanson safer for everyone who uses it. Find out more about this project on our Bulls to Sanson webpage here: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/sh1-sh3-bulls-to-sanson/

Once both the temporary roads are open, traffic will flow around the main construction site of the new permanent roundabout until the project wraps up in mid-2024.

We want to thank road users using this busy stretch of state highway for their patience while we make the area safer.

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

An amber alert has been issued for the Auckland Harbour Bridge tomorrow with the highest wind gusts expected between 1pm and 6pm.

Wind gusts are expected to reach 90 to 100 km/hr during this time.

While an alert is also in place from 5am to 7am tomorrow morning, peak hour lane configurations will remain on the bridge as lower wind speeds are predicted.

Gusts are expected to pick back up between 10am and 7pm and the bridge will be placed into a 4×4 lane configuration in each direction.

Motorists are urged to drive to the conditions, look out for the electronic message boards which will indicate lane closures and reduced speeds, and stay within their lane while travelling across the bridge.

Drivers of high sided vehicles and motorcyclists are advised to avoid the Auckland Harbour Bridge during these times and use the western ring route on State Highways 16 and 18.

Watch our video below to understand why lanes on the bridge may need to close if certain wind speed thresholds are reached.

How closing Auckland Harbour Bridge keeps it open(external link)

The safety of road users is our top priority and we won’t hesitate to reduce speeds or close lanes if necessary.

Waka Kotahi thanks road users for their patience and understanding.

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

While wind warnings for Wellington and Wairarapa are over, drivers can expect more bad weather in the region today.

The Metservice is forecasting a southerly front with strong winds and snow later today.

For Wellington and Wairarapa, winds are predicted to rise to gales in exposed areas. Snow showers are also predicted – down to 400 metres from Wednesday evening till around midday Thursday.

This means there is a chance of snow falling on State Highway 2, Remutaka Hill.

Contractors will monitor the situation, and all efforts will be taken to keep roads open. However, bad weather always brings road hazards and the chance of road closures. 

Drivers must be aware of this and drive to the conditions. Slow down, increase your following distances, and check road and weather conditions before your journey. 

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

A fast-moving southerly front is making its way up the South Island/Te Wai Pounamu this afternoon and overnight, dropping snow and creating windy and dangerous conditions for motorcyclists and high-sided vehicle drivers, says Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

People should check the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Journeys/ highways map before setting out and anticipate ice in the morning in dark places and on  bridge decks. https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions(external link)

Lindis Pass, SH8 –conditions have eased

Since the 2 pm update today, conditions on the Lindis Pass between Omarama and Tarras have eased, chains are no longer required but drivers should take care.

The Central Otago network is well covered with de-icing compound and gritted, says Aspiring Highways, the Central Otago Waka Kotahi highway maintenance team. Crews are ready to clear snow or reapply grit as needed.

Potential for snow in South Canterbury tonight

Snow may still fall along SH8 Burkes Pass, Tekapo to Fairlie, SH79 Geraldine to Fairlie and the highway into Mt Cook/ Aoraki from around 8 pm Tuesday night.

Electronic highway message boards have all been updated so drivers are warned of the potential for snow overnight and into the morning.

Alpine passes

The snow could make its way into SH73 Porters Pass in the early hours of the morning so drivers should check before heading off. https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions(external link)

Crown Range Road – linking Wanaka and Queenstown, chains needed

The Crown Range Road, managed by Queenstown Lakes District Council, is open with chains required between Eastburn Road and Cardrona Village, due to snowfall.

Updates here: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions/otago/hazards/436412(external link)

Southland highway remains closed – no change from earlier today

SH94 into Milford Sound/ Piopiotahi has stayed closed today and will be closed overnight due to heavy snow. There are considerable risks from falling trees and wind as well as the rising avalanche risk, says the Milford Road Alliance team.

Reopening is likely from late Wednesday morning after helicopter avalanche control work and road snow clearing.

Winter driving tips

• De-ice and de-mist windows before starting your journey
• Slow down and allow extra time to reach your destination
• Leave a greater following distance between vehicles
• On frosty days try to use main roads where possible
• Turn your headlights on, even during the day
• Avoid sudden movements when accelerating, turning or braking
• Be prepared for sunstrike as the sun sets or rises
• If cycling, make sure your lights are working and reflectors are up to standard. Wear bright or light-coloured clothing to be more visible.