8.25pm – SH73 reopens after fatal crash

State Highway 73/West Coast Road near Darfield has reopened after a fatal crash earlier today.

While the site has been cleared, people are asked to take care travelling through the area. 

5.40pm – Detours in place as serious crash closure continues

Detours are now in place as part of State Highway 73/West Coast Road near Darfield remains closed after a serious crash.

Road users travelling west on SH73 can turn right onto Pinegrove Road, left onto Old West Coast Road, left onto Waimakariri Gorge Road/Inland Scenic Route 72, then turn right back onto SH73. The reverse applies for eastbound traffic.

The affected section of SH73 is expected to remain closed into this evening as police’s Serious Crash Unit investigates and the site is cleared.

3.30pm – Serious crash closes SH73 in central Canterbury

A serious vehicle crash this afternoon has closed State Highway 73 near Darfield in central Canterbury.

Emergency services are attending the crash that has blocked SH73, and contractors for the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi have been called out to assist.

The highway has been closed by emergency services between Bulls Road and Auchenflower Road. Road users are advised to avoid the area or delay their travel if they can. 

An update will be provided as the situation changes.