Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
Bad weather and snow have closed State Highway 63 between Renwick and St Arnaud.
Update 8:50 am:
Snow has seen the closure of another State Highway in the top of the South Island this morning.
State Highway 63 remains closed between St Arnaud and Renwick. Access is being provided for residents, but the highway remains closed to all other traffic.
State Highway 6 has now been closed from Kohatu to Kawatiri Junction
It means there are no direct routes between Marlborough/Nelson and the West Coast
Contractors are working hard to clear and reopen both roads but sweeping snow from the highways and gritting roads surfaces will take some time. More bad weather will also delay this work.
Road users must avoid both areas and delay their travel.
Snow on SH63.
Meanwhile, snow is also falling on State Highway 2, Remutaka Hill. The road is currently open but could close at short notice.
Snow on SH2 Remutaka Hill.
Winter driving conditions apply across the regions and road users must take extra care. They should also check weather and road conditions before travelling.
6:40 am:
Bad weather and snow have closed State Highway 63 between Renwick and St Arnaud.
It means people traveling between Blenheim and the West Coast must detour via State Highway 6 and Nelson.
Drivers must avoid the area or delay their journey.
Winter weather conditions are affecting all highways in the top of the South Island, meaning driving conditions are hazardous.
For people heading further south, other highways are also closed due to snow:
- State Highway 7 – Springs Junction to Hanmer Springs Turnoff
- State Highway 1 – Waitati to Dunedin(Leith Saddle)
- State Highway 87 – Outram to Middlemarch
Road users must take extra care on the roads. Reduce your speed and avoid sudden braking – it only takes a split second to lose control in wet or icy conditions.
Bad weather can see roads closed at short notice. Please check road and weather conditions before your journey.
