Update: State Highway 65 closed following crash (SH65 now OPEN)
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi | 5 Mar 2026 2:05pm | Tasman
2:05 pm
State Highway 65 is now fully open to traffic following a crash earlier this afternoon.
NZTA/Waka Kotahi thanks drivers for their patience and cooperation while this incident was being resolved.
1:10pm
People traveling between Murchison and Springs Junction are asked to delay their travel and avoid the route following a crash on the highway.
The incident was reported shortly after midday, with the crash occurring near the intersection of Awapariti Road. Emergency services are at the scene.
State Highway 65 is currently closed and, with no local road detours available, there is no direct travel access between State Highway 6 O’Sullivan’s Bridge and Springs Junction.
Traffic travelling south from Murchison will need to detour via SH6 O’Sullivan’s Bridge to Inangahua Junction, then via SH69 Inangahua Junction to Reefton, and SH7 Reefton to Springs Junction. The reverse applies for northbound traffic.
At this stage, there is no estimated time for when the highway will reopen. Updates will be provided and the road’s status can be checked on the NZTA/Waka Kotahi website.