The treefall has been cleared, and State Highway 60 is now open to traffic. 

7.45am

State Highway 60 is closed south of Collingwood in Golden Bay this morning due to a treefall. The highway is closed between Plain Road and Milnthorpe and no local road detours are available. 

The incident was reported at around 7:15 this morning. Travel between Collingwood and Tākaka will be affected until the treefall is cleared and the highway is reopened. Drivers are asked to delay their travel and avoid the area until further notice. Strong winds are affecting the top of the South Island with MetService Wind Watches in place for Buller, Tasman, and Marlborough, and a Wind Warning issued for the Marlborough Sounds. This means road users must be ready for wind hazards – tree falls, downed powerlines, and wind-blown debris. Drivers of motorcycles and high-sided vehicles should also take extra care, especially in exposed areas. 

Bad weather is also affecting the rest of the South Island and people travelling to and from the West Coast and Canterbury are urged to check road and weather conditions before they travel. Bad weather can see roads closed at short notice.