State Highway 1/Rakaia Highway near Rakaia has reopened after a crash this morning.

Road users are urged to travel with care amid holiday traffic on the state highways. 

11.35am – SH1 in Mid Canterbury closed after crash

Traffic is being diverted after a crash closed State Highway 1/Rakaia Highway this morning, near Rakaia in Mid Canterbury.

The multi-vehicle crash happened near the SH1/Rakaia Highway intersection with Chertsey Kyle Road. The highway is now closed between the intersections with Elizabeth Avenue and Somerton Road. Emergency services are attending.

Southbound traffic at Rakaia is being directed to turn right onto Elizabeth Avenue, left onto Railway Terrace East, continuing onto Thompsons Track, left onto Somerton Road and back onto SH1/Rakaia Highway. The reverse applies for northbound traffic.

An update will be provided as the status of the road changes.

Road users are reminded to travel with extra care today as the long Easter weekend begins and traffic volumes are up on the state highways.