The NZ Transport Agency has reinstated the "chains essential" category for drivers using State Highway 73. Photo: Supplied / Canterbury Snow and Weather WatchThe NZ Transport Agency has done a U-turn on its plan to close Arthur's Pass to drivers on days when snow and ice need to be cleared. The agency had planned on bringing in a new system of closing the road, even to vehicles with snow chains, if the road had ice and snow on it. "People will continue to be asked to carry and know how to fit vehicle snow chains on SH73, as on other South Island alpine and semi-alpine highways." Porters Pass, SH73, remained open Thursday this week with de-icing compound doing its work to melt the snow as it fell.

Source: Otago Daily Times June 20, 2020 23:15 UTC