A fuel tanker crash north of Christchurch at Woodend, south of the Pineacres intersection, has closed the highway and detours are likely to be in place until early afternoon at least.

The fuel in the tanker is being pumped out and a crane will be needed to right the truck after that, says NZ Transport Agency Journey Manager Lee Wright. This is expected to take at least until this afternoon.

New detours have been put in place around Woodend Beach Road and Sandhill Road.

Drivers are asked to slow down on these detours which pass through residential areas and build in extra time for the journey north and south of Christchurch this morning and into the afternoon, says Ms Wright.

· The new northbound detour is via SH1, left into SH71 (Lineside Road, route to Rangiora), right into Revells Road, continue onto Tuahiwi Road, right onto Turiwhaia Road, right onto Rangiora Woodend Road, left onto Woodend Road and back onto SH1 Main North Road. (The detour will be well marked for drivers.)

· The southbound detour remains the same as earlier: left onto Woodend Beach Road, right onto Sandhill Road, back onto Main North Rd/ SH1.

· http://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/roadclosures/226275

· https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/christchurch/traffic-update/709016

How to stay up to date:

· The key traffic and travel source which provides up-to-date information on weather and road conditions is www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic

· Important information is also shared via the Transport Agency’s official Twitter and South Island Facebook accounts listed here https://www.nzta.govt.nz/contact-us/connect-with-us/

· Drivers can also call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) to speak to the call centre team who can provide them with traffic and travel information either before they’re travelling or when they’re on the road.

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