NZTA Waka Kotahi has introduced a temporary 50km/h speed limit along a section of State Highway 8’s Tekapo-Twizel highway for the remainder of winter.
The move follows several serious crashes along the same stretch of road, leaving 24 people injured. Nine people were hurt in a multi-vehicle crash on the shores of Lake Pukaki on Sunday, following two buses carrying dozens of visitors from China crashing and rolling within 100 meters of each other.
Motorists who drove the road that morning said fog and black ice made conditions difficult to negotiate, with some believing conditions were too dangerous for the road to remain open.
This week, signs advising motorists of new temporary speed limits were installed along a 28-km stretch of State Highway 8 between Simons Pass and Lake Ruataniwha, south of Twizel. An additional highway maintenance crew will also be deployed to grit the road.
NZTA Central South Island system manager Mark Piner said the agency had spoken with police about frustrated motorists disregarding the rules and was aware of the situation.
The speed limits will be reviewed and adjusted in the coming weeks, depending on weather and road conditions. The agency considered balancing public safety with ensuring the main lifeline route for local motorists and freight operators.
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