Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
A crash earlier today means that SH73 east of Castle Hill (the Christchurch side) will close at 1 pm today and could be closed through to 4 pm for vehicle recovery.
It is believed the driver slid on ice but fortunately was not injured. “This is a good reminder to all users of alpine pass routes that ice can be extremely dangerous,” says Tresca Forrester, Journey Manager for Waka Kotahi.
People need to slow down and be aware bridges and areas that get little sun may be icy.
The road is currently down to one lane with Stop/Go traffic management around the site but will fully close from 1 pm till around 4 pm to tow the truck out. The closure point on the Canterbury side is half a km east of Castle Hill Village, between the village and Thomas River Bridge.
Electronic signs are advertising the closure.
Drivers can take the Lewis Pass route (SH7) via Waipara or delay their journeys.
