Contractors have seized an opportunity amid gale force winds to recover a crashed truck and trailer, and reopen State Highway 8/Tekapo-Twizel Road between Tekapo and Lake Pukaki.

While the road at the Tekapo flyover/Tekapo Canal Road intersection is now clear, road users are urged to take extra care as the strong winds continue to pose a risk.

Wind gusts in excess of 140km/h have been recorded in the Mackenzie Country today. 

11.50am – SH8 closure likely to be several more hours

High winds in the Mackenzie Country today mean that it may take several more hours to safely recover the crashed truck that is blocking State Highway 8/Tekapo-Twizel Road.

The recovery will take place as the weather allows at the Tekapo flyover/Tekapo Canal Road intersection. People should avoid travel in the area or delay their journeys if possible. 

A further update will be issued as the situation changes.

10am – SH8 closed after truck crash

State Highway 8/Tekapo-Twizel Road, from Tekapo to Lake Pukaki in the Mackenzie Country, is closed this morning after a truck crash.

The truck is blocking both lanes at the Tekapo flyover/Tekapo Canal Road intersection.

People are asked to avoid the area or delay their journeys if possible. 

An update will be provided as the road status changes.