UPDATE: 4.50pm – SH1 partially reopened after fatal crash

State Highway 7 between the Hanmer Springs turnoff and Rotherham Road South, near Culverden, has reopened to one lane following a fatal crash earlier today.

Road users will be asked to stop on demand at the crash site at Marble Point, and a temporary 30km/h reduced speed limit will be in place. People are asked to travel with extra care and to expect possible delays through this stretch of SH7/Mouse Point Road.

It is expected that the road may be fully reopened by this evening.

1.20pm – Closures in place for SH7 crash

Closure points are in place as emergency services are expected to remain at the scene of a serious crash in North Canterbury for some time.

The two-vehicle crash on State Highway 7 is in an area known as Marble Point, south of the Hanmer Springs turnoff, and north of Culverden.

A northern closure point is in place near the State Highway 7A turnoff to Hanmer Springs, to allow people in and out of the popular resort town to the west via SH7. The southern closure point is at Rotherham Road South, just north of Culverden, and northbound access is not available to Hanmer Springs from here.

Northbound road users have an option of turning off SH7 and travelling onto State Highway 1, while State Highway 73 provides an alternative route to the West Coast.

More information will be provided as the situation changes.

12.40pm – SH7 blocked by crash

A serious crash is blocking State Highway 7/Mouse Point Road in North Canterbury, just south of the turnoff to Hanmer Springs.

Emergency services are dealing with the two-vehicle crash and road users are asked to delay their travel in the area, or to use an alternative route. People should follow the directions of the emergency services at the crash site. NZTA contractors are travelling to assist.

An update will be provided as soon as more information is available.

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