Due to forecasted heavy rain for South Westland over the next 24 hours the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has advised that Haast Pass between Makarora and Haast will close overnight tonight (Wednesday April 10) from 9pm to 10am Thursday.

The road from Haast to Franz Josef Glacier is now open after earlier slips closed the road with stop/go management in place at various sites. This road will also close overnight.

“Muddy Creek, north of Makarora ... is catching the heavy rainfall which will cause issues if the banks break,” NZTA journey manager for Otago and Southland Nicole Felts said.

“For this reason, we will close SH6 at Makarora from 9pm tonight connecting onto the West Coast closure.”

The full overnight closure will run between Makarora and Franz Josef township.

NZTA advises travellers to review their journeys in this area given the uncertainties of the weather and the possible impact on road conditions.

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