UPDATE: 9.20am – SH73 reopened
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi | 21 Apr 2026 9:26am | Canterbury
State Highway 73/West Coast Road between Springfield and Arthur’s Pass has reopened after a closure earlier this morning due to snow, ice and a stuck vehicle.
The truck that had become stuck has since been shifted and the road is now fully open for all vehicles, but people are urged to take extra care because of any snow and ice that remains.
8.20am – Stuck vehicle extending snow closure:
A vehicle that has become stuck after snowfall on State Highway 73/West Coast Road this morning means it will take longer to reopen the road.
Contractors for New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi are currently working to recover the vehicle and clear the road.
A further update is expected mid-morning.
7.50am – SH73 closed after snowfall
Snow and ice have closed State Highway 73/West Coast Road this morning between Springfield and Arthur’s Pass.
People have been asked to delay their journeys.
An update is due on the status of the road soon.