Warning for South Island drivers as icy conditions close roads

A foggy view from one of the contractor vehicles on SH8.

Snow and ice on South Island motorways has prompted a warning to "drive to the conditions" after multiple crashes this morning.

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said "freezing temperatures are affecting roads throughout the central South Island this morning, and caution is being urged on all inland highways".

It said State Highway 8 was back open between Lake Tekapo and Twizel in the Mackenzie Basin. It had been closed to due to black ice.

Freezing temperatures are affecting roads throughout the central South Island this morning, and caution is being urged on all inland highways.

State Highway 1/Dunedin Southern Motorway from the Riselaw Rd overbridge — which was closed earlier to southbound traffic — has also reopened following a crash.

"Roading crews have been laying grit on roads to improve traction in the freezing conditions, but roads will only be reopened when considered safe. Updates on the closed roads are expected later this morning," an NZTA spokesperson said.

Southern District police warned people to take care.

"There have been a number of crashes occurring within the district, especially in Roxburgh, Lumsden, the Dunedin Southern Motorway, and Cromwell," a police spokesperson said.

"Please remember to slow down, drive to the conditions, keep your distance, and drive rested and unimpaired."

Some images from NZTA’s traffic cameras on State Highway 8 in the Mackenzie Basin showing fog and ice.

MetService meteorologist Heather Keats said people across the country were "waking up to a very cold start to the day".

"High pressure and clear skies will do that, not much of a thermal blanket... so a chilly start and a chilly day for us all," she said.

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