New Zealand Transport Agency is facing criticism after it reopened a central-North Island road, despite large and visible stretches of black ice.
The conditions on State Highway 4, south of Taupō, led to a truck sliding off the road and crashing into a tree, a short time before midday.
The crash forced the highway shut between Tohunga Junction and the National Park for two hours.
Contractors were called to clear vehicle and the tree it hit, with motorists forced to detour via the Desert Road on State Highway 1.
In a statement, police said there were no injuries.
Tractors and a tow truck had to help other vehicles that were caught out in the ice this morning.
Cara Lauder from Waka Kotahi, NZTA, says “black ice is common during winter and Waka Kotahi does not typically close roads for black ice”.
“Waka Kotahi continues to encourage motorists to expect winter driving conditions and keep their speeds down, maintain a safe following distance and stay alert,” Lauder said.
“After a southerly blast and heavy snowfall like we’ve just had, the cold air and clearing skies often combine to create freezing conditions, which can lead to ice on the road.”
She said Waka Kotahi uses a combination of calcium magnesium acetate, a coating which reduces ice, and grit during winter to manage ice on the roads.
“Contractors are out applying this, often late at night and early in the morning, however, it is not always obvious where black ice may form and it can form after grit has been applied.”
Meanwhile, the heavy snowfall drew almost 2000 people to Mount Ruapehu’s ski fields today, with a greater turnout expected tomorrow.
Mount Ruapehu had 40 centimetres of snow fall on both its ski fields overnight. (Source: Other)
Ruapehu Alpine Lifts told 1 NEWS both ski fields got 40cm of snow overnight, with no further snowfall expected tonight.
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