The NZTA says the Milford Road will be closed at least into the weekend and potentially into next week given the damage from torrential rain and ongoing moving slips in the past 48 hours.

Transport Agency Journey Manager Peter Brown said rain had been falling at 40mm an hour, with up to a metre expected by end of today. 

“In these circumstances we need to ensure our crews are safe, with 1000 cubic metres of material falling at Lake Gunn late yesterday (the Hollyford Road) and whole hillsides filling fast with rain and ongoing slips.

“We are getting a bridge inspection team onto State Highway 94 today and know that some abutments to these bridges may need repairs before this highway can be safely opened. The wider SH94 repair programme, largely on the Te Anau (eastern) side of the highway, will not be completed for several days, potentially into next week.”

The Milford Alliance team and Downer contractors from Southland and Otago have plenty of plant and resource ready to go he said but crew safety is a priority at this stage until the weather lifts.

Elsewhere in Southland, many highways have surface water or more serious flooding issues today from nearby rivers and creeks. Several are now closed or about to be closed. 

For the latest road closures and warnings, click here.