2.45pm – Lyttleton Tunnel reopened

Lyttelton Tunnel has reopened after vehicles stuck inside were recovered.

2.35pm – Lyttleton Tunnel closed after breakdown

Lyttelton Tunnel in Christchurch is currently closed to traffic after a truck broke down while travelling through and a failed recovery attempt.

A recovery vehicle that was initially sent in to assist the broken-down truck was unable to complete the recovery after a small fire, which was extinguished. Now a larger recovery vehicle is being sought to free the two vehicles stuck in the tunnel.  

It is expected the recovery should be complete, and the tunnel cleared, within the next hour or so.

In the meantime, road users travelling between Christchurch and Lyttelton are advised to take alternative routes such as Dyers Pass Road and Governors Bay Road via Cashmere, or via Sumner on Evans Pass Road.