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Key Takeaways
The Milford Road Alliance are a team under the NZ Transport Agency and Downer NZ, tasked with managing the safety and maintanance of the Milford Road in New Zealand.
Milford Road Alliance have the final say on whether or not the Milford Road will be open or closed on any given day, guided by safety considerations.
Milford Road Alliance is an award winning organisation, an acknowledgement of their exceptional work in managing one of the worlds most complex roads.
The Milford Road, winding through New Zealand's stunning Fiordland National Park, is no ordinary highway. It’s the sole road access to the world-famous Piopiotahi-Milford Sound and climbs higher and faster than any other road in the country, reaching 945 metres above sea level.
But who ensures this crucial line remains open and safe for nearly a million annual visitors?
Enter The Milford Road Alliance, a partnership between Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and Downer NZ. This dedicated team of local experts works tirelessly behind the scenes, providing up-to-date Milford Road status information, managing Milford Road closures, battling extreme weather, preventing avalanches, and providing emergency assistance.
In this article, we'll explore the vital work of the team, delving into their specialised skills and technologies, and their unwavering commitment to managing the safety and accessibility of one of New Zealand's most spectacular routes.
The Milford Road: A Scenic and Challenging Route
Winding through some of New Zealand's most awe-inspiring landscapes, the Milford Road is far more than just a route to a famous destination. This extraordinary highway showcases both the raw beauty of Fiordland and the incredible feats humans can achieve.
A Rich History
The beginning of the road's creation in the 1930s is a tale of perseverance against overwhelming odds. Many of its builders, seeking work during the Great Depression, faced unimaginable hardships. These brave workers and their families carved a path through treacherous wilderness, battling nature's fury at every turn.
Relentless storms, treacherous floods, and deadly avalanches were constant threats. The unforgiving landscape claimed lives and repeatedly destroyed their progress. Yet, despite these setbacks, the determined workers pressed on, their efforts culminating in the Milford Road and the remarkable Homer Tunnel.
From Seasonal to Year-Round
In 1952, the road was finally completed. However, it remained closed during winter months until the late 1970s, when groups with tourist and fishing interests successfully lobbied for the road to stay open year-round.
It soon became evident that greater management and safety precautions would be needed on Milford Road. After an avalanche tragically killed a road maintenance supervisor in 1983, an avalanche programme was developed to monitor, assess and control the avalanche risk on the road.
This avalanche control programme continues today as part of the Milford Road Alliance. It allows the road to stay open for as much of the year as possible while considering the highest safety margins for all road users.
The Milford Road Alliance
A Crucial Partnership
The Milford Road Alliance was formed in 2016 and is a partnership between Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and Downer NZ. They manage a significant programme of work in Fiordland National Park, with the mission to ensure the safe and efficient management of activities on State Highway 94, Milford Road, between Te Anau and Milford Sound.
Local Expertise
The Alliance team is based in Te Anau, ensuring local ownership and decision-making around the day-to-day operation of the highway. This local presence allows for a deep understanding of the road and surrounding area and timely responses to issues and opportunities.
Highly Trained Local Experts
A Diverse Skill Set
At the heart of the Milford Road Alliance is a team of 28 dedicated professionals. These individuals are more than just road workers – they're avalanche specialists, emergency responders, and environmental stewards all rolled into one.
Local Knowledge
What sets this team apart is their deep connection to the area. As locals, they possess an intimate understanding of the Milford Road and its surrounding landscape. This knowledge proves invaluable when facing the unpredictable forces of nature.
Versatile Responsibilities
On any given day, team members might be found plowing snow from the road, monitoring sophisticated avalanche detection equipment, or providing first aid at the scene of an accident. This versatility is crucial in an environment where conditions can change rapidly.
Key Responsibilities and Services
Road Maintenance and Repairs
The Alliance team is responsible for general maintenance tasks like fixing potholes and ensuring the road surface remains in good condition. This ongoing work is crucial for the safety and comfort of all road users.
Snow and Ice Management
During winter months, the team engages in snow plowing, often clearing snow at a rate of 5-10 cm per hour. They also apply grit to the road surface to improve traction for vehicles.
Tree Management
Trees along the roadside can pose risks, especially under the weight of snow or during heavy rain. The Alliance brings in arborists for five weeks each year to manage the 87km of tree-lined highway, which has significantly reduced the number of tree falls along the road since the Alliance was formed.
If any trees pose risks or full down throughout other times of year, the team ensure they are efficiently chopped up and cleared out.
Accident Assistance
The Alliance team often acts as first responders to accidents on the road, providing crucial assistance while emergency services are en route.
Homer Tunnel Management
The historic Homer Tunnel requires special attention and management to ensure safe passage for all vehicles.
Avalanche Control
In the rugged terrain surrounding Milford Road, avalanches pose a significant and ever-present danger. The steep slopes, combined with heavy snowfall and rain, create perfect conditions for potentially deadly snow slides.
A team of specialist avalanche forecasters use a combination of on-site observations, weather data, and years of experience to predict when and where avalanches are likely to occur.
Helicopters are also used to survey the snowpack on surrounding slopes, helping the team identify potential trouble spots before they become active avalanche sites.
When conditions indicate a high risk of avalanches, the team takes proactive action. They strategically detonate explosives to trigger controlled avalanches before they can build up to dangerous levels. After the avalanche has been forced down, diggers can then clear out the debris.
Road Closure Management
Closure Points
If needed, the Alliance closes the road at one of two key points. They can shut off access entirely at Te Anau, or more commonly, implement closures from Hollyford Road to the Donne River, the highest alpine section of the road.
Decision-Making Process
Decisions to close the road are based on a combination of real-time data from technology systems and the expertise of local staff.
The team endeavors to report road closure information as soon as possible. In most cases, the need for a closure will be reported 24 hours in advance.
Milford Road Status
The Alliance maintains the Milford Road status web page, and the information from this page goes to the electronic signs at Mossburn, Queenstown, and Te Anau. This multi-channel approach ensures that travellers have access to critical information at various stages of their journey.
Cutting-Edge Technology and Equipment
The Alliance team has some of the best monitoring and camera technology in the world, allowing them monitor Milford Road weather and road conditions in real time, enabling quick decisions about road status.
Camera Network
The Alliance employs a network of specialised camera equipment, with a key installation near the Homer Tunnel. These cameras provide real-time visual data, allowing the team to keep a watchful eye on road conditions and potential hazards.
Avalanche Detection
The Alliance has invested in cutting-edge avalanche detection technology. This sophisticated equipment can identify the early signs of avalanche formation, providing valuable lead time for preventative measures.
The Homer Tunnel Base
All this technology converges at the Alliance's base near Homer Tunnel. Here, a series of screens display live footage and data, allowing the team to monitor the road constantly.
The 2020 Fiordland Flood: A Case Study in Rapid Recovery
In February 2020, a devastating storm caused severe flooding along Milford Road, putting the Alliance team's skills to the test. Their response was swift and effective, showcasing their ability to handle major crises.
Within just five days of the destructive event, the team had carved out a basic four-wheel drive track. This quick action allowed emergency vehicles to reach Milford Sound, providing crucial access for first responders.
The Alliance's efforts didn't stop there. In the following days, they managed to establish a more substantial road. This improved access route was vital for transporting essential supplies and equipment to Milford Sound businesses and services.
To balance ongoing repairs with the need to restart tourism, the team implemented a clever convoy system. Initially, this system prioritised repair crew access while minimising traffic disruptions. As conditions improved, the Alliance gradually expanded the convoy to include buses and other select vehicles.
This phased approach allowed the team to steadily increase the flow of visitor traffic back into Milford Sound. It demonstrated the Alliance's ability to juggle multiple priorities: road repair, local business needs, and the resumption of tourism activities.
The Alliance's handling of the 2020 flood highlights their adaptability and commitment to keeping Milford Sound accessible. Their rapid response and strategic planning turned what could have been a long-term closure into a managed recovery, minimising the impact on both local communities and tourism.
An Award-Winning Team
In December 2023, the Milford Road Alliance received the International Road Federation's 2023 Global Road Achievement Award for programme management. This prestigious award acknowledges their exceptional work in managing one of the world's most challenging and beautiful roads.
The award recognised the Alliance's ability to balance multiple complex responsibilities, including managing the Homer Tunnel, maintaining consistent road standards, and upholding strict environmental considerations within Fiordland National Park.
The Alliance's innovative approach to problem-solving, such as their tree management strategy, was another factor in their international recognition.
Along with their dedication to maintaining Milford Road, the Alliance is also committed to sharing knowledge and providing learning opportunities for other road agencies operating in alpine environments. Their willingness to learn and share for the benefit of others was also highlighted by the award.
Tips for Travelling Milford Road
Stay Informed
The Alliance encourages travellers to check the Milford Road status web page before their journey. This resource provides the most up-to-date information on road conditions and potential closures.
Consider Travel Times and Transport
While the road is open year-round, road conditions can be challenging, particularly during winter months and peak summer months. You should plan accordingly and be prepared for potential delays or closures. If you’re travelling in winter, you’ll also need snow chains. Tour operators have a direct line of communication to the Alliance’s Homer Tunnel Base when needed, ensuring the most up-to-date and accurate information for a safe journey.
The Milford Road Alliance team advises that if you’re ever in doubt about navigating Milford Road, then taking a guided coach tour from Te Anau is the best way to ensure a safe and stress-free visit to Milford Sound.
For more information and tips on travelling Milford Road, check out the following articles:
The Milford Road Alliance is a shining example of dedication, expertise, and innovation in road management. Their tireless efforts ensure that one of New Zealand's most spectacular journeys remains accessible and safe for nearly a million visitors each year. From battling extreme weather to implementing cutting-edge technology, the Alliance team faces each challenge with determination and skill.
As guardians of this vital route, the Alliance does more than maintain a road; they preserve access to one of New Zealand’s most famous natural wonders. So, the next time you journey along the remarkable Milford Road, remember the unseen heroes working behind the scenes to make your adventure possible.