Emergency services and contractors have successfully reopened State Highway 1 near Ohau following a fuel tanker crash early on Wednesday morning.
Update Thursday 2:55 am:
Emergency services and contractors have successfully reopened State Highway 1 near Ohau following a fuel tanker crash early on Wednesday morning.
The crash scene was cleared, and State Highway 1 was fully reopened around 2:30 am this morning. A heavy crane was needed to help remove and recover the tanker truck.
The highway was closed for approximately 18 and a half hours while emergency services and contractors worked hard to manage the incident and reopen the highway.
The crash caused significant travel delays and traffic congestion between Levin and Ōtaki all through Wednesday. NZTA/Waka Kotahi wants to thank drivers for their patience and understanding during this lengthy state highway closure.
Update 4pm:
A detour will remain in place until the early hours of tomorrow morning following today’s fuel tanker crash on State Highway 1, at Ohau.
The detour for northbound traffic is down Bishops Road, Muhunoa E Road, Arapaepae Road, before joining State Highway 57 and in reverse for southbound traffic.
Traffic management will remain in place, in addition to lower speed restrictions.
Emergency services and clean-up crews have been at the scene of the crash since this morning, working to clear the spill. The closure has caused significant delays during the delay and we anticipate this will worsen during peak hour traffic.
Please avoid travel in the area if at all possible or allow extra time for travel. “We’re asking people to be patient during these delays – we know they’re frustrating and we do appreciate people’s support,” says Regional Manager of Maintenance and Operations Mark Owen.
Update 11.30am:
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is advising road users that State Highway 1 through Ohau is likely to remain closed til late afternoon/early evening.
The detour will remain in place, following this morning’s fuel tanker crash. The detour for northbound traffic is down Bishops Road, Muhunoa E Road, Arapaepae Road, before joining State Highway 57 and in reverse for southbound traffic.
Emergency services and clean-up crews remain on scene. NZTA is aware of significant delays, in both directions, so we ask that people avoid the area, where possible, until the incident is cleared, or allow extra time for their travel.
NZTA is mindful these delays will be frustrating and thanks motorists for their patience.
10am:
A detour is in place for motorists using State Highway 1 at Ohau after a fuel tanker rolled just before 8am, closing that section of the road.
The road is closed at the intersection with Vista Road, just south of the intersection with State Highway 57.
Emergency services are at the scene and motorists are advised to follow their directions for the detour.
The detour is down Bishops Road, Muhunoa E Road, Arapaepae Road, before joining State Highway 57.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is advising road users to avoid the area if possible and expect delays and drive to the conditions if travelling in the area.
NZTA appreciates the support and patience for road users while emergency services work to clear the road.
Please visit the NZTA Journey Planner for updates.
