SH1 Bluff highway has now reopened under stop/go traffic management from Omaui Road. 

Once the winds have reduced, the team will be able to assess whether there is any further remaining risk posed by the powerlines, and hopefully all traffic management can be removed.

Road closures are now slowly reopening. SH93, SH97 and SH6 Dee St in Invercargill are now all open. 

Current closures remaining are:

• SH1 Bluff highway at Omaui Road
• SH1 Waiphai highway between Gore and McNab
• SH96 between Mataura and Hedgehope

Due to a fallen tree, State Highway 1 is closed between Gore and Mcnab.

The multiple closures between Invercargill and Gore on SH1 are now all resolved, and this stretch is open. 

Driving conditions are still hazardous, so please travel only if necessary.

Road closures and warnings are in place around Southland after high winds have brought down trees and power lines.

Closures in place on State Highways are as follows:

• State Highway 96, Mataura to Hedgehope, due to power lines down. Road users should follow the directions of emergency services.
• State Highway 93, Mataura, between State Highway 1 and Kaiwera Road, due to fallen trees. No detour available.
• State Highway 1, Mataura, between the intersections of Glendhu Road and Charlton Road, due to fallen trees. The detour for northbound traffic is to turn left on to Glendhu Road, right on to Townsley Road, left onto McBride Road, right on to Charlton-Siding Road, then left back onto SH1. The reverse applies for southbound traffic.
• State Highway 1, Mataura, near the intersection with Craigs Road, due to downed power lines.
• State Highway 1, Glengarry, between the intersections of Mill Road and Racecourse Road, due to fallen trees. The detour for northbound traffic is to turn left on to Racecourse Road, right onto Findlay Road, right on to Mill Road N and left back on to SH1. The reverse applies for southbound traffic.
• State Highway 6, Invercargill, Don Street to Tay Street due to adverse weather conditions (for southbound road users only).
• State Highway 1, between Gore and Balclutha, due to strong winds.
• State Highway 87 between the intersections of Gladfield Road and Riverside Road, due to downed power lines. Road users should use an alternative route or delay their journeys.

Stay up to date at our Journey Planner site.

Photo: NZTA