Latest news with #JourneyPlanner
Scoop
20-05-2025
- Climate
- Scoop
Winter 2025: Keep Your Inner Olympian In Check As Colder Weather Arrives
While professional athletes are in training across the world ahead of the next Winter Olympics, to be held in Italy during early 2026, New Zealand drivers are being reminded not to race on the roads this winter. Colder temperatures are already being felt across the South Island, increasing the chance of weather conditions impacting the state highway network, explains Mark Pinner, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) System Manager. 'Large parts of the state highway network across the central and lower South Island are at high elevations, which means they're the first to get frosts, snow or ice. While our contractors are constantly monitoring weather forecasts and patrolling the network, it'ss crucial that everyone plays their part. We saw snow on the Lindis Pass a few weeks ago, and we had a light snowfall around Burke's Pass and Tekapo this week. 'Inland areas across the region will also experience frosts and icy roads when temperatures drop in the winter months. By reducing your speed and increasing your following distance you will significantly reduce the likelihood of a crash occurring. Use your headlights to be seen and avoid sudden braking or turning to reduce the risk of losing control.' Read more winter driving tips here. NZTA, along with our maintenance contractors, works closely with MetService, who provide a specialised forecasting to predict and monitor road conditions. This includes a network of weather stations that provide critical data such as temperature, wind speed, rainfall, and road surface temperatures to inform both immediate responses and long-term planning. Where possible, contractors will proactively apply grit or Calcium Magnesium Acetate (a de-icer) to reduce the impact of snow and ice. However, it pays for drivers to take extra care in winter, as conditions can change rapidly. 'When following a grit truck it's important to remember that the road ahead won't be gritted, and may well be slippery. Drivers should also watch out for shaded areas – these take longer to warm up and dry out, so could still be slippery even hours after the rest of the road is fine. 'At times roads may need to be closed, to keep both road users and roadworkers safe. We may look to close the road as poor conditions are coming in, to ensure that people don't get caught out. If you're travelling over the winter months it pays to be prepared – packing warm clothes, snacks and water will ensure you have provisions should the weather turn.' Road users travelling across the country can find the latest information about the state highway network on the NZTA Journey Planner.
Scoop
01-05-2025
- Climate
- Scoop
Canterbury Storm Update 4 Pm - Akaroa Highway Closed Overnight, Waikirikiri/Selwyn River Plateauing
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) says the Akaroa highway, SH75, will remain closed overnight and at least until Lake Forsyth/Te Roto o Wairewa can be safely opened to the sea. Checkpoints are in place overnight. SH75, the Akaroa highway, next to Lake Forsyth around 2 pm this afternoon: The Waikirikiri/ Selwyn River bridge on SH1, south of Christchurch, has plateaued, making it less likely to close overnight. 'With darkness approaching, drivers are encouraged to take extreme care and slow down on all Canterbury highways given crews will continue to repair large potholes all over the network as a result of the heavy rain,' says Mark Pinner, System Manager for NZTA in the Central South Island. 'Going into the weekend crews will be on the lookout for ice in shaded places around Mid and South Canterbury so people need to take extra care for a few days yet.' Potholes continue to make for a slower journey on much of the network north and south of Christchurch and around Banks Peninsula. Crews are making good progress but people need to slow down and anticipate much slower trips this evening. Expect to see temporary speed limits around sites of deep potholes. Christchurch City flooding updates: Selwyn District updates: Environment Canterbury river flow data: SH1 Kaikōura Crews are on standby for the high tide around 8 pm tonight at places like Ōhau Point but so far the network is holding up well. SH75 Akaroa highway Closed Birdlings Flat to Little River alongside Lake Forsyth/Te Roto o Wairewa. Updates: SH1 South of Christchurch Waikirikiri/Selwyn River has levelled off, making an overnight closure unlikely. Selwyn River flow graph at SH1: Lake Tekapo, Burkes Pass, SH80 Aoraki/ Mt Cook highway All highways around South Canterbury remain open with snow on the ground in Tekapo. Crews with snow ploughs and grit are ready if needed. Burkes Pass, SH8, and the highway to Aoraki/ Mt Cook, SH80, are both clear currently. The Tekapo flyover at Irishman's Creek earlier today: Arthur's Pass, SH73, and the Lewis Pass, SH7 Snow is forecast to affect the road near the Arthur's Pass summit later, where 1 to 2 cm of snow may settle. Smaller amounts are likely lower down but unlikely to settle. SH7 could also catch small amounts of snow but both routes are open currently with no restrictions. What should drivers do? Please slow down, avoid sudden breaking and turning, increase following distances and drive with lights on, is NZTA's advice. Wherever possible, people should plan to avoid driving in the worst conditions and keep an eye on weather forecasts and the NZTA Journey Planner to stay up to date with the latest highway restrictions.
Scoop
01-05-2025
- Climate
- Scoop
Canterbury Storm Update – Strong Winds And Rain, Waikirikiri/Selwyn River Rising, Akaroa Highway Closed
Press Release – NZ Transport Agency All highways around South Canterbury remain open with up to 150mm of snow on Burkes Pass, around Tekapo and the highway into Aoraki/ Mt Cook overnight and this morning. Drivers should be prepared for poor visibility in the circumstances and travel later … NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is advising Canterbury people to avoid travel today if possible, particularly south of Christchurch and around the Waikirikiri/ Selwyn River bridge on SH1, where river levels are rising. The highway to Akaroa, SH75, is closed due to flooding alongside Lake Forsyth/Te Roto o Wairewa. Potholes will make for a slower journey between Rakaia and Glenavy, SH1 today. Five crews are working hard today and tomorrow, says NZTA. Expect to see temporary speed limits around sites of deep potholes. Christchurch City flooding updates: Environment Canterbury river flow data: SH1 Kaikōura Minor surface flooding and slips in the Hundalee area north of Kaikōura – being cleared this morning. High winds. High tide around 8 am passed without too much trouble at places like Ōhau Point. Next high tide will be monitored. SH75 Akaroa highway Closed Birdlings Flat to Little River alongside Lake Forsyth/Te Roto o Wairewa. Updates: SH1 South of Christchurch Waikirikiri/Selwyn River very high at the SH1 bridge and being closely monitored. State Highway 1 still open. A detour may be installed if SH1 closes, however, it can also be affected by flooding, with upstream river levels still on the rise. Avoid travel through this part of the network if possible today. Selwyn River flow graph at SH1: SH77 Methven highway Minor flooding in the Rakaia Gorge – drivers need to slow down and expect a slower journey. Snow at Lake Tekapo, Burkes Pass, SH80 Aoraki/ Mt Cook highway overnight and this morning All highways around South Canterbury remain open with up to 150mm of snow on Burkes Pass, around Tekapo and the highway into Aoraki/ Mt Cook overnight and this morning. Drivers should be prepared for poor visibility in the circumstances and travel later in the day if possible. Arthur's Pass (SH73) Snow is forecast to affect the road near the summit later today, where 1 to 2 cm of snow may settle at times. Lesser amounts likely lower down. What should drivers do? Please slow down, avoid sudden breaking and turning, increase following distances and drive with lights on, is NZTA's advice. Wherever possible, people should plan to avoid driving in the worst conditions and keep an eye on weather forecasts and the NZTA Journey Planner to stay up to date with the latest highway restrictions.
Scoop
01-05-2025
- Climate
- Scoop
Canterbury Storm Update - Strong Winds And Rain, Waikirikiri/Selwyn River Rising, Akaroa Highway Closed
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is advising Canterbury people to avoid travel today if possible, particularly south of Christchurch and around the Waikirikiri/ Selwyn River bridge on SH1, where river levels are rising. The highway to Akaroa, SH75, is closed due to flooding alongside Lake Forsyth/Te Roto o Wairewa. Potholes will make for a slower journey between Rakaia and Glenavy, SH1 today. Five crews are working hard today and tomorrow, says NZTA. Expect to see temporary speed limits around sites of deep potholes. Christchurch City flooding updates: Selwyn District updates: Environment Canterbury river flow data: SH1 Kaikōura Minor surface flooding and slips in the Hundalee area north of Kaikōura - being cleared this morning. High winds. High tide around 8 am passed without too much trouble at places like Ōhau Point. Next high tide will be monitored. SH75 Akaroa highway Closed Birdlings Flat to Little River alongside Lake Forsyth/Te Roto o Wairewa. Updates: SH1 South of Christchurch Waikirikiri/Selwyn River very high at the SH1 bridge and being closely monitored. State Highway 1 still open. A detour may be installed if SH1 closes, however, it can also be affected by flooding, with upstream river levels still on the rise. Avoid travel through this part of the network if possible today. Selwyn River flow graph at SH1: SH77 Methven highway Minor flooding in the Rakaia Gorge – drivers need to slow down and expect a slower journey. Snow at Lake Tekapo, Burkes Pass, SH80 Aoraki/ Mt Cook highway overnight and this morning All highways around South Canterbury remain open with up to 150mm of snow on Burkes Pass, around Tekapo and the highway into Aoraki/ Mt Cook overnight and this morning. Drivers should be prepared for poor visibility in the circumstances and travel later in the day if possible. Arthur's Pass (SH73) Snow is forecast to affect the road near the summit later today, where 1 to 2 cm of snow may settle at times. Lesser amounts likely lower down. What should drivers do? Please slow down, avoid sudden breaking and turning, increase following distances and drive with lights on, is NZTA's advice. Wherever possible, people should plan to avoid driving in the worst conditions and keep an eye on weather forecasts and the NZTA Journey Planner to stay up to date with the latest highway restrictions.
Scoop
30-04-2025
- Climate
- Scoop
Canterbury Storm Update - Strong Winds And Rain, Waikirikiri/Selwyn River Rising, Akaroa Highway Closed
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is advising Canterbury people to avoid travel today if possible, particularly south of Christchurch and around the Waikirikiri/ Selwyn River bridge on SH1, where river levels are rising. The highway to Akaroa, SH75, is closed due to flooding alongside Lake Forsyth/Te Roto o Wairewa. Potholes will make for a slower journey between Rakaia and Glenavy, SH1 today. Five crews are working hard today and tomorrow, says NZTA. Expect to see temporary speed limits around sites of deep potholes. Christchurch City flooding updates: Selwyn District updates: Environment Canterbury river flow data: SH1 Kaikōura Minor surface flooding and slips in the Hundalee area north of Kaikōura - being cleared this morning. High winds. High tide around 8 am passed without too much trouble at places like Ōhau Point. Next high tide will be monitored. SH75 Akaroa highway Closed Birdlings Flat to Little River alongside Lake Forsyth/Te Roto o Wairewa. Updates: SH1 South of Christchurch Waikirikiri/Selwyn River very high at the SH1 bridge and being closely monitored. State Highway 1 still open. A detour may be installed if SH1 closes, however, it can also be affected by flooding, with upstream river levels still on the rise. Avoid travel through this part of the network if possible today. Selwyn River flow graph at SH1: SH77 Methven highway Minor flooding in the Rakaia Gorge – drivers need to slow down and expect a slower journey. Snow at Lake Tekapo, Burkes Pass, SH80 Aoraki/ Mt Cook highway overnight and this morning All highways around South Canterbury remain open with up to 150mm of snow on Burkes Pass, around Tekapo and the highway into Aoraki/ Mt Cook overnight and this morning. Drivers should be prepared for poor visibility in the circumstances and travel later in the day if possible. Arthur's Pass (SH73) Snow is forecast to affect the road near the summit later today, where 1 to 2 cm of snow may settle at times. Lesser amounts likely lower down. What should drivers do? Please slow down, avoid sudden breaking and turning, increase following distances and drive with lights on, is NZTA's advice. Wherever possible, people should plan to avoid driving in the worst conditions and keep an eye on weather forecasts and the NZTA Journey Planner to stay up to date with the latest highway restrictions.
