6.55pm – SH1 reopened after fatal Rakaia crash

State Highway 1/Main South Road at Rakaia, including the Rakaia River Bridge, has reopened following a fatal crash earlier today.

With police investigations at the site complete, and vehicles involved in the crash having been towed, the section of SH1/Main South Road between North Rakaia Road and Railway Terrace East is now open and clear. 

People are asked to travel with care on this route as any remaining congestion eases.  

5.45pm – Congestion on SH77 after fatal Rakaia crash

People are being warned about significant congestion on State Highway 77 this afternoon as it is used by many as an alternative route to avoid a fatal crash closure on State Highway 1 at Rakaia.

Road users are reporting lengthy delays in the area near the Rakaia Gorge bridge, which offers an alternative crossing point to the SH1 Rakaia River bridge. People are encouraged to temporarily delay their travel in the area if they can.

Police’s Serious Crash Unit has been investigating at the crash site, just north of the Rakaia River bridge, and it is expected that State Highway 1/Main South Road may be able to reopen early this evening.

3.20pm – Detours being set up after Rakaia crash 

Contractors for New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) are working to set up formal detours around a serious crash north of the Rakaia River. 

State Highway 1/Main South Road north of the Rakaia River Bridge is closed and emergency services are expected to continue working at the site for several hours. 

People are urged to avoid the area or delay their travel if they can. If people are in the area, they can consider travelling inland via State Highway 77 and crossing the river at the Rakaia Gorge. However, people should be aware this involves an additional 100km of travel between Rakaia and Christchurch, and SH77 may also be congested by other detouring traffic.

2pm – SH1 closed at Rakaia after serious crash

A serious crash on State Highway 1/Main South Road at Rakaia is heavily impacting traffic in the area.

Emergency services are attending the incident near the intersection with North Rakaia Road, and traffic cameras show queues of vehicles leading south onto the Rakaia River Bridge.

Road users should expect delays, and people are urged to avoid the area if they can.

More information will be provided when available. 

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