A section of State Highway at Otamarakau has been closed following a crash. The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) advises that a truck carrying kiwifruit has rolled and the road will remain closed until further notice.
State Highway Manager, Brett Gliddon, says that at this stage it likely the road will reopen around mid afternoon, however there is a detour in place.
"Cars and light vehicles travelling south from this section of SH2 can do so via the Old Coach Rd, McDougall Quarry Rd and Otamarakau Valley Road to rejoin with SH2, a diversion of about 15 km. Westbound traffic can also use this diversion from the other direction."
Mr Gliddon says that detour is not suitable for heavy vehicles however but there is an alternative route for those drivers. "We'd suggest they travel via SH33 and 30 to divert off and back onto SH2 either side of the crash site."
"We will be working to have access through this section of SH2 as quickly as we can to minimise disruption to traffic. We'd like to ask that motorists be patient during this time and plan their journeys around this situation to allow for delays."
Mr Gliddon says once the road has been reopened, the NZTA will advise motorists as soon as possible.
