The Milford Road is set to close again until the weekend to allow for work to mitigate avalanches and make the area safe, as more snow and heavy rain is on the way.
Snow has caused disruption to Southland’s State Highway 94 since the end of last week and “significant weather fronts” were expected to bring more bad weather.
Milford Road Alliance said the road had reopened today at 10am from East Gate (Hollyford) to Donne River (Westgate) after the risk of avalanche, then considered moderate, became manageable and snow was cleared.
The avalanche risk was low this afternoon and the state highway, a popular tourist road to Milford Sound, was expected to stay open overnight on Tuesday.
But more bad weather meant the avalanche risk would heighten, and the decision was made to close SH94, Milford Road Alliance said in an advisory this afternoon.
“Significant weather fronts forecast to arrive from Wednesday evening. These will bring heavy rain and snow, increasing the avalanche hazard.
“The road will likely close from 5pm Wednesday, remaining closed until Saturday before avalanche mitigation work can take place to reduce the hazard.”
Motorists were warned to take extra care due to the snow, ice and grit, and to watch out for machinery operating in the area today.
Meanwhile, snowfall warnings this morning for the Crown Range Road, the Lindis Pass (SH8), Arthur’s Pass (SH73) and the Lewis Pass (SH7) were all lifted by 3pm.
Milford Road forecast
Tuesday: Rain falling as snow above 700m, clearing from afternoon to become fine
Wednesday: Fine at first, showers turning to rain in evening
Thursday: Rain, with heavy falls
Friday: Rain, heavy at times, falling as snow near the Homer Tunnel
Saturday: Snow showers
Sunday: Showers
– ODT Online