Latest news with #MackenzieBasin
RNZ News
16-07-2025
- Climate
- RNZ News
Freezing fog and black ice on South Island's State Highways 8 and 80
Fog on State Highway 8 presents a risk for motorists, NZTA says. 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." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
RNZ News
16-06-2025
- Climate
- RNZ News
Black ice and freezing temperatures a concern for Mackenzie Basin
Photo: RNZ / Maja Burry The Transport Agency is warning motorists to take care with black ice and freezing temperatures expected to cause issues in the Mackenzie Basin this week. Waka Kotahi says fog, hoar frosts and black ice are likely to make driving challenging on State Highways 8 and 80 in inland Canterbury over coming days. Parts of State Highway 8 near Lake Tekapo have been reduced to 50 kilometres per hour and roads will be closed if conditions get worse. Waka Kotahi system manager Mark Pinner said while reducing speed is not a usual approach, typical de-icing agents were working at an extreme range, making them less effective. "The nature of the conditions forecast for this week means we need to use every tool we can to keep people safe on the roads," he said. Pinner said motorists should slow down, especially with the roads expected to be busy over the Matariki long weekend. "We also know it's going to get busier later in the week as we get closer to the long holiday weekend for Matariki. Reducing speed is the biggest thing drivers can do to keep themselves safe and to help keep the highways open." Meanwhile, State Highway 7 between Canterbury and the West Coast will remain closed for a second night after a slip discovered on Sunday morning led to the closure between Springs Junction and Island Hills. Waka Kotahi says contractors have worked with a geotechnical expert to prevent further debris falling at the slip, which is just south of Riordan Creek Bridge. The closure includes Lewis Pass and Maruia Springs. There is no detour, and motorists have been asked to delay travel and avoid the area. A single lane is expected to open at 7am Tuesday, with traffic management in place.
