Road users in parts of the South are warned to watch out for ice, frozen snow and thick fog today.
Though state highways are open, care is needed everywhere, the New Zealand Transport Agency/Waka Kotahi says.
There were ice warnings on the highways inland and north of Dunedin today - State Highway 85 Palmerston to Kyeburn, SH87 Kyeburn to Middlemarch to Outram and SH1 Waitati to Dunedin over the Leith Saddle.
People were encouraged to drive with extreme care this week as the icy conditions would continue - particularly in the mornings and evenings, it said.
Elsewhere in Otago and Southland, ice should also be expected after frosty mornings, even where highways are open with no warnings posted.
Hard frost and fog in Central
There was a hard frost in Central Otago today, with temperatures ranging from -7°C to -3°C at 6am, and these were expected to drop lower at daybreak, a spokeswoman for the district council said.
Ice was likely for the Maniototo and upper Manuherekia (St Bathans/Oturehua) areas.
"There is still a fair amount of frozen snow about, and teams have put out a lot of grit in the last 24 hours. There is also some thick fog lingering in isolated areas," she said.
"Reduce your speeds and drive to the conditions, ice to be expected."
Roads in Alexandra, Cromwell, Roxburgh were mostly dry after sun and wind yesterday. However, ice had been reported on shady areas and bridge decks.
Icy patches on Crown Range
Meanwhile, there were some icy patches over the Crown Range Road, linking Queenstown and Wānaka today.
Drivers can expect lots of loose grit, left over from the heavy snowfall over the past couple of days, a spokeswoman for the Queenstown Lakes District Council said.
Elsewhere, the roads were largely dry and there was sub-zero temperatures in most places.
De-icing agent has been applied on some of the steeper sections of road around Queenstown.
"It could be slippery out there, so slow down and remember to double the two-second rule so there's a good safe distance between you and the car you’re following," she said.
Chilly in Canterbury
Several places around the central South Island had ice warnings this morning - the same places as earlier this week.
In Canterbury, SH8 Tekapo to Fairlie (Burkes Pass) reopened late this morning but road users were advised to take extra care.
The highway was shut overnight due to icy conditions and lack of sunlight yesterday to dry out the road.
People needed to slow on patches of highways that have not had a chance to thaw out this week or get little sun, as well as bridge decks, which don’t warm up in winter like roads, NZTA said.
“These conditions are likely to continue this week and into the early weekend,” Mark Pinner, System Manager, NZTA for Central South Island said this morning.
“Expect some sections of ice-affected highway to reopen mid-morning and close overnight as required, and places like Porters Pass (SH73) may have restrictions.”
NZTA’s Downer team reported that road temperatures dropped down to -9°C last night in the Mackenzie Basin, resulting in ice issues all over the network this morning. Extra grit truck runs covered SH8 and SH80.
The 50km/hour or 70km/h recently installed temporary speed limits between Simons Pass, south of Tekapo, and Twizel could be reintroduced this week, given ice forecasts.
West Coast winds
Restrictions on Porters Pass, between Springfield and Castle Hill, have now come off, as of 9.25am today.
Winds could still be strong on the Lewis Pass to Reefton (SH7) and SH73 between Kumara Junction and Arthur’s Pass. High-sided vehicle drivers and motorcyclists should take care, NZTA said.
"There are still strong wind gusts in isolated places throughout the West Coast, so drive with care given the potential for tree branches and other unexpected items to have blown onto roads."
Tips for safe journeys in winter
• Drive slower than you normally would – it only takes a split second to lose control in wet or icy conditions.
• Avoid sudden braking or turning movements that could cause you to skid.
• Accelerate smoothly and brake gently.
• Use your highest gear when travelling uphill and your lowest downhill.
• For vehicles without anti-skid braking systems, to avoid skidding or sliding, smoothly pump the brake pedal in short bursts rather than pressing long and hard.
• Drive at a safe travelling distance because it takes longer to stop on slippery roads.
• In winter, especially in frosty or icy weather, double the two-second rule to four seconds and leave a safe distance between you and the car you’re following.
• When travelling in fog, rain or snow, drive with your lights dipped for increased safety.
• Makes sure everyone is wearing their seat belt throughout the full journey.
• Plan your trip to avoid the coldest times of the day or night if you can.
- source NZTA/Waka Kotahi
- ODT Online
