A crash between a truck and two cyclists early this morning has resulted in one death and closed State Highway 8, likely for a large part of the day, north of Twizel, between Twizel and Tekapo.
The closure went in place after 7 am today.
The detour routes are lengthy, advises the NZ Transport Agency's Journey Manager Lee Wright: State Highway 83 (Otematata, Kurow to Pukeuri north of Oamaru), or alternately State Highway 82 (the north side of the Waitaki River coming out at Waimate) combined with State Highway 1 along the Canterbury/ Otago coast.
Anyone wanting to drive south from Tekapo (SH8) is advised to go back to State Highway 1 to Timaru.
The crash occurred between the intersections of Mount Cook Road and Glen Lyon Road on State Highway 8. The next update is expected at 1 pm this afternoon.
“The police serious crash unit is investigating so we know the highway could be closed for some time,” says Ms Wright. “Thanks to everyone for taking it easy on the detour highways and building in extra time.”
Ways to find out what is happening on the highway network:
Call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS 0800 44 44 49
