5 pm

State Highway 1 has reopened south of Blenheim following a fatal crash earlier today.

The two vehicle-crash, which resulted in two fatalities, saw the highway closed for around six hours.

While the route is now open to traffic in both directions, the crash site is under a temporary speed limit. Drivers are asked to be patient and take care while travelling through the area.

Ongoing travel delays can also be expected until queued traffic clears.

2.15pm

State Highway remains closed to all traffic south of Blenheim following a fatal crash earlier today

Police have confirmed two people died in the two-car crash, reported shortly before 11 o’clock this morning.

The highway will remain closed while the Police Serious Crash Unit investigates. The incident.

This is expected to be ongoing for several more hours. There is no estimated time for the route to reopen.

Drivers must avoid the area, delay their travel and, if travelling between Marlborough and Canterbury, use the inland route (see details below) as a detour.

Drivers should check road conditions before they travel.

• Highway conditions – Nelson/Marlborough(external link)

11:25 am

Travel between Marlborough and Canterbury is affected today following a serious crash on State Highway 1 south of Blenheim this morning.

The highway is closed to all traffic following a car‑versus‑car crash near Cloudy Bay Drive.

The incident was reported at approximately 10:45 am. No local road detours are available.

The highway is expected to be closed for several hours while the crash is investigated, and the incident site is cleared.

Drivers must avoid the area until the incident is resolved.

Those travelling between Marlborough and Canterbury, including those with Picton ferry connections, should detour via the inland route: SH63 Wairau Valley, SH6 Kawatiri Junction to O’Sullivans, SH65 O’Sullivans to Springs Junction, and SH7 Springs Junction to SH1 Waipara.

This is a significantly longer route and will require extra travel time. Drivers must plan accordingly.

There is no current estimate for when SH1 will reopen. Updates will be provided when its status changes.

Drivers should check road conditions before they travel.

• Highway conditions – Nelson/Marlborough(external link)