23 September 2016 | CENTRAL REGION

Update - SH1 between Te Moana Road and Peka Peka to remain closed until at least 3pm due to fatal crash

The NZ Transport Agency is advising that following a fatal crash earlier this morning, State Highway 1 between Te Moana Road and Peka Peka is closed in both directions until at least 3pm today. Motorists can expect significant delays, and if possible should delay travel or avoid the area.

“We are aware that this is an important route for many motorists and we are working to get the road open as soon as we can. The advice from the contactors on site is that the section of the road will remain closed until at least 3pm. We will continue to provide updates via our website and social media as soon as we have more information as to when the road will be open again,” Mark Owen, Regional Performance Manager, NZ Transport Agency says.

Emergency services are on site and a detour route is in place. The detour is expected to add at least 30 minutes to a journey, due to significant traffic volumes on the local road network.

“We ask that motorists stick to the signposted detour route, as this is the most efficient alternative route to get the volume of traffic through that would normally travel on State Highway 1. We have also revised our advice about the suitability of the detour route for heavy vehicles, and can now confirm that the detour route is able to be used by heavy vehicles as well as light vehicles,” Mr Owen says.

Motorists travelling north turn left on to Te Moana Road down to Waikanae Beach, and then follow the local roads through Rutherford Drive/Paetawa Road, and then turn right on to Peka Peka Road to get back on to State Highway 1. Southbound traffic can use the same route in reverse.

The NZ Police Serious Crash Unit is investigating the crash. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the crash victim.

ends

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