Warm, clear weather has meant the Lake Pukaki/Twizel highway is back to a 100km/hour speed limit, for now.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) placed a blanket speed reduction on the 28km stretch of State Highway 8 on Tuesday, after multiple vehicles rolled in fog and black ice in recent days, despite warning signs to slow down.

 Clear, sunny weather for the latter part of this week in Canterbury means SH8 south of Tekapo to Lake Pukaki/Twizel is back to its 100km/hour normal highway speed limit as of 10am today (July 26).

“The 50km/h signs installed two days ago are designed to be easily covered up when temperatures improve and fog and black ice is not present,” NZTA Central South Island system manager Mark Pinner said on Thursday.

“That is likely to be the case for Friday and this weekend, with wind helping to reduce the potential for frosts.”

Snow is a possibility for early next week and could spread into Arthur’s, Porters and Lewis Passes, in North Canterbury, while the Lindis Pass and Burkes Pass in South Canterbury could also potentially be affected, meaning the speed restriction will likely to go back in place on Sunday (July 28).

“Our crews are closely monitoring SH8/the Mackenzie Basin area to keep people safe and ensure the road remains open as much as possible,” Mark says. 

Drivers should also always slow down in icy and foggy conditions, on bridge decks and shaded areas of highway that don’t catch the sun.

Before travelling, drivers can check NZTA’s highway map before setting out around the central and southern South Island, particularly overnight in winter.