Porters Pass/ SH73, between Canterbury and the West Coast, reopens to one lane, wind warning continues

State Highway 73 between Canterbury and the West Coast is open to one lane after a logging truck temporarily blocked both lanes an hour or more ago.

“Drivers are asked to take care. There may be delays on the approaches to Porters Pass for a few hours,” said  NZ Transport Agency Journey Manager Lee Wright. 

Check this map(external link) on the Transport Agency's Traffic and Travel web pages for updates or check the table view(external link) for specific highway advice. 

• For further information, check the Met Service severe weather warnings(external link) and the rain radar maps(external link) for your area.

Latest update from the Christchurch Transport Operations Centre,(external link) 12.55 pm: 

A severe weather warning has been issued for Westland and Buller, with heavy thunderstorms and rain forecast. 

The following State Highways are affected by high winds:

• SH80 Aoraki Mt Cook to Ben Ohau
• SH8 Fairlie to Twizel
• SH73 Springfield to Arthurs Pass & Porters Pass

The following State Highways are closed or have lane restrictions.

• NEW: SH73 Porters Pass - Logging truck crash - One lane has now been opened. Caution is still advised
• SH67 Hector to Little Wanganui - The road is now open to one lane.
• SH6 Murchison to Inangahua is down to one lane due to fallen trees.
• NEW: SH6 Coast Road, Westport to Greymouth is now open to all lanes.

Drivers of high sided vehicles and motorcyclists are urged to take extra care when driving in these areas.