14 Sep 2021

Highway between Te Anau and Milford Sound reopens after workers gain access

2:10 pm on 14 September 2021

The road between Te Anau and Milford Sound is now open after a helicopter accessed the area to allow workers to carry out avalanche prevention work last night.

Highway is now open after several days closed due to avalanche risk being high.

Highway is now open after several days closed due to avalanche risk being high. Photo: Transport Agency

State Highway 94 reopened at 12.30pm today. It had been closed since last Thursday due to avalanche risk.

Waka Kotahi manager for the Milford Road Alliance Kevin Thompson said a break in the weather yesterday allowed the helicopter to fly into the area.

"We had a small window last evening and got in with helicopter explosive control work," he said.

The crew set off avalanches in the area as a pre-emptive measure and the road had now been cleared.

The change in weather had also lowered the avalanche risk.