An improving weather and roading picture is emerging for South Westland’s SH6 as weather moves north, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).
The highway was closed between Ross and Makarora in Otago overnight Thursday due to fallen trees, a damaged bridge approach, rising creek and river levels and slips.
Ross to Franz Josef – opening today
The northern section of SH6 between Ross and Franz Josef will be open by 2 pm today, says Mark Pinner, System Manager for NZTA Canterbury and the West Coast. Trees and slips are now being cleaned up.
Franz Josef to Fox Glacier – Update 3.30 pm – opening 6 pm Friday
A temporary road over Smithy’s Creek will be ready to open Friday night at 6 pm. Travellers need to build in 30-minute delays between the two glacier towns until this section of bridge is permanently repaired – starting next week. The road will be open overnight unless conditions change again.
South of Fox Glacier to Haast – Update 10.30 am - now open
Open as of 10.30 am today.
The highway was closed between Ross and Makarora in Otago overnight Thursday due to fallen trees, a damaged bridge approach, rising creek and river levels and slips.
Haast into Otago/Makarora – opening 10 am, staying open overnight
Rivers and creeks are dropping on the Otago side of the Haast Pass so this section of SH6 will reopen as planned at 10 am. There are no plans to close overnight given the improving weather.
