Truckies caught out by snow

A few truckies had to camp overnight in their cabs in the Craigieburn Cutting after heavy snow on State highway 73 on the Canterbury side of Arthur's Pass.

NZ Transport Agency North Canterbury State highway asset manager Barry Stratton said snow fell through the Craigieburn Cutting area overnight, trapping a small number of trucks.

"Our contractors were on site at 6am to clear the road and get traffic moving again."

The highway was open to light traffic in both directions this morning. However, there were short delays due to work on the road to ensure heavy vehicles could safely travel up the cutting.

East-bound trucks were held at the bottom of the cutting while the contractors finished clearing any remaining snow and ice, and laid grit on the road for better traction on the incline, Mr Stratton said.

There is little respite for motorists, with further snow expected to fall tonight.

The Metservice was forecasting snow showers this afternoon on Lewis Pass and 3cm to 6cm could accumulate on the road. At Arthur's Pass, snow showers were expected to hit the area this afternoon with 2cm to 4cm of snow possible.

- Nicholas McBride of the Greymouth Star

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