Update 4:25am - State Highway 1 has reopened at Weld Pass following a serious crash overnight.
The crash scene was cleared, and the road reopened shortly before 3:30 am this morning.
The highway was closed for approximately six and a half hours.
NZTA/Waka Kotahi wants to thank drivers for their patience and cooperation while emergency services and contractors attended this incident.
9.00 pm
State Highway 1 is closed south of Blenheim due to a serious crash earlier this evening.
The highway is currently closed between Awatere Valley Road and Alabama Road.
The crash, which occurred south of Blenheim near Weld Pass, was reported shortly before 8:30 pm.
Emergency services and contractors are attending the incident and the closure is expected to last for some hours. No timeframe can be given for it reopening at this stage.
A local road detour is available via Awatere Valley Road and Taylor Pass Roads.
Northbound traffic should turn left on Awatere Valley Road, turn right onto Taylor Pass Road, continue straight on Maxwell Road, turn right on Alabama Road, turn left to go on State Highway 1. The reverse applies to southbound traffic
The detour is suitable for light vehicles only and cannot be used by heavy vehicles. It means no route is available for heavy vehicles travelling between Blenheim and Kaikoura.
Road users can expect travel delays until the crash scene is cleared. Travellers with ferry connections must allow extra time for their journey.
Motorists using the local road detour are also urged to take extra care.
Updates on the highway’s status can be found on the NZTA/Waka Kotahi website:
