State Highway 8 was reopened late last night but is now under speed restrictions following a fatal crash south of Waitahuna yesterday afternoon.
The crash occurred between Johnston Rd and Burma Rd around 4.50 pm, resulting in one fatality at the scene. Two individuals were airlifted to Dunedin Hospital in serious condition, according to a Hato Hone St John spokesperson.
The section of SH8 between State Highway 1 and Rongahere Road was closed after the incident. NZTA has implemented stop/go traffic management with a 30km/h speed limit in various locations on the same stretch of SH8 from Milton to Raes Junction today between 7am and 7pm.
The Central Otago District Council is advising caution on the roads due to a severe frost, with temperatures ranging from -8°C to 0°C. Ice formation on the roads has prompted gritting operations to ensure safe driving conditions.
Dunedin
The Dunedin City Council has issued a warning about winter driving conditions in the area, with temperatures dropping as low as -7°C. Orbus Dunedin reports that services are running as usual, although some trip cancellations are expected due to driver sickness.
Police warning
Southern police are urging motorists to exercise extra caution on the roads in light of consecutive frosts and icy conditions. Inspector Craig Brown, Southern District Road Policing Manager, emphasized the dangers of black ice formation in shaded areas and on bridge surfaces.
“Icy roads are particularly hazardous in the South, where we experience some of the most severe winter conditions in the country. Please drive carefully and adapt to the challenging road conditions to ensure your safety,” Inspector Brown stated.
