UPDATE: 11.55am – SH8 fully reopened:

State Highway 8 between Twizel and Lake Tekapo has reopened, meaning all of the highway corridor is now clear again after closures because of icy conditions this morning.

People are urged to continue to travel with extra care while the risk of ice and fog remains, and with more freezing conditions expected tonight and tomorrow. 

10.40am – Part of SH8 reopened:

State Highway 8 has reopened between Twizel and Omarama in the Mackenze Basin after a closure this morning because of black ice.

SH8 remains closed between Twizel and Lake Tekapo.

While roading crews have been laying grit and anti-icing agents on the highway, road users are reminded to take extra care due to the icy and foggy conditions in many places.

9.15am – SH1 Dunedin reopens after crash:

SH1 Dunedin reopens after crash State Highway 1/Dunedin Southern Motorway from the Riselaw Road overbridge has reopened to southbound traffic after a crash morning.

Road users are urged to take extra care on roads affected by ice this morning. 

8.15am - Ice closes South Island highways:

State Highway 8 remains closed this morning between Lake Tekapo and Omarama in the Mackenzie Basin because of black ice, while State Highway 1/Dunedin Southern Motorway is also closed from the Riselaw Road overbridge to southbound traffic after a crash in icy conditions.

As forecast, freezing temperatures are affecting roads throughout the central South Island this morning, and caution is being urged on all inland highways.  

Roading crews have been laying grit on roads to improve traction in the freezing conditions, but roads will only be reopened when considered safe. Updates on the closed roads are expected later this morning.