UPDATE 12:45 pm:

State Highway 1 has reopened to northbound traffic between Waikanae and Ōtaki following today’s truck fire.

The highway had closures in place for around seven hours. 

NZTA/Waka Kotahi thanks the public for their patience and cooperation while this incident was being resolved.

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UPDATE 10:35 am:

State Highway 1 is now open to southbound traffic at the site of this morning’s truck fire near Ōtaki.

The expressway remains closed to northbound traffic between Waikanae and Ōtaki, and drivers are asked to follow the recommended detour route until this incident is resolved.

Detour route

Northbound traffic: 

• Take the Waikanae offramp, turn right onto Te Moana Road, and follow Old State Highway 1 through Ōtaki township back onto State Highway 1.

Updates on the highway’s status are available online. Drivers are encouraged to check road conditions before they travel.

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UPDATE 9:20am:

Road closures have been adjusted on State Highway 1 for this morning’s petrol tanker fire.

The southbound closure has been shortened and applies near the scene of the fire. The expressway is now only closed to southbound traffic between the Ōtaki offramp and onramp (north and south of Ōtaki township).

However, the expressway remains closed to northbound traffic between Waikanae and Ōtaki.

Ongoing travel delays can be expected until this incident is resolved, and the route is fully open.

Drivers are asked to obey all instructions from emergency services and road crews, follow signposted detours, and to take care when travelling through the area.

Updates on the highway’s status are available online. Drivers are encouraged to check road conditions before they travel:

Highway conditions - Wellington (external link)

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UPDATE 8:20am:

State Highway 1 remains closed between Waikanae and Ōtaki this morning with emergency services still at the scene of a petrol tanker fire.

While a detour is available via Old State Highway 1, there are significant delays for southbound traffic due to roadworks and traffic management on the route.

Drivers, particularly those heading to Wellington and Porirua, can expect ongoing travel delays until the incident is resolved and the highway is reopened.

Updates will be provided as the situation changes. Road users are encouraged to check road conditions before they travel:

Highway conditions - Wellington (external link)

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UPDATE 6:10am:

Road closure points for this incident have been extended. State Highway 1 is now closed between Waikanae and Ōtaki.

Detour routes

Northbound traffic: 

• Take the Waikanae offramp, turn right onto Te Moana Road, and follow Old State Highway 1 through Ōtaki township back onto State Highway 1.

Southbound traffic:

• Take the Ōtaki offramp through Ōtaki township and onto old State Highway 1, follow to Waikanae, THEN turn right onto Te Moana Road to State Highway 1.

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5:50am:

Drivers are warned to expect significant delays as emergency services respond to a petrol tanker fire on State Highway 1 near Ōtaki this morning.

The incident on the Peka Peka to Ōtaki Expressway was reported around 5:20 this morning.

The highway is closed between Ōtaki and Peka Peka. A local road detour is available via Old State Highway 1. 

Congestion and travel delays can be expected while this incident is ongoing. Drivers travelling on the Kāpiti Coast should allow extra time for their journeys.

Drivers are asked to avoid the area, obey all instructions from emergency services and road crews, and follow signposted detours.

Detour routes

Northbound traffic:

• Take the Waikanae offramp, turn right onto Te Moana Road, and follow old State Highway 1 through Otaki township, then back onto State Highway 1.

Southbound traffic:

• Take the Otaki offramp through Otaki township and onto old State Highway 1, follow to Waikanae, turn right onto Te Moana Road to State Highway 1.

The expressway will remain closed until the incident is resolved and it is safe to reopen. Updates will be provided when they are available. Road users are encouraged to check road conditions before they travel:

Highway conditions - Wellington (external link)