State Highway 1 still closed after separate truck crashes, limiting access to Wellington

Georgia Reporter from Stuff

Road access to Wellington was temporarily down to a windy, hilly road that heavy vehicles can't use after two crashes blocked State Highways 1 and 2.

- Remutaka Hill road on SH2 was closed shortly before midday Friday after two trucks collided, adding further pressure to the road network at the start of Labour Weekend. The road reopened about 1pm.
- An earlier truck crash about 3.45am near Pukerua Bay on SH1 has been blocking the road in both directions. The Mainfreight truck was carrying hazardous chemicals and paint products. The driver received minor injuries.

Motorists have been warned of major delays, and light vehicles can use the Paekākāriki Hill Rd. The section of road between Paekākāriki and Grays Rd at Mana is closed and Police said it could remain this way until late.

Keep up-to-date with the traffic chaos here.
NZTA regional transport systems manager Mark Owen said: "If people are heading out of town they need to think of an alternative at this stage, and it's certainly going to take a lot longer if they take an alternative route."

Police have asked motorists to avoid the area.