Freezing fog and black ice on South Island's State Highways 8 and 80
Photo:
Supplied / NZTA
Drivers in the central South Island are being warned to be aware of freezing fog and black ice over the next few days.
The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) said persistent freezing fog was likely for parts of State Highways 8 and 80 at least through until Sunday, along with hoar frosts and potential black ice on the roads.
The area between Twizel and Tekapo on State Highway 8 was expected to be at especially high risk.
NZTA maintenance contract manager Chris Chambers said fog was likely to linger all day in some places.
"These types of conditions are
not new for roads in the Mackenzie Basin
area, but it is important that motorists take notice and
adjust their driving for the conditions
. Especially when there is an increased risk like this over a number of days," he said.
"We are expecting the freezing fog to hang around all day in places and there is a significant risk of black ice, especially in the mornings. All of this means increased risk of accidents and injury. It's important that drivers take extra care and slow down in these conditions, increase their following distances and drive with their lights on."
Roading contractors would be out checking roads and gritting or de-icing the affected highways over the coming days, he said. However, he advised people to avoid travelling if possible.
"We have the option of closing sections of highway, or introducing restrictions, if the conditions warrant it. Our preference is to keep the roads open, and motorists can help us do that by driving with caution or staying off the roads if they can."
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