Tipped truck removed from busy Mount road

2.30pm: The truck that tipped on Hewletts Rd this morning has now been removed.

A Tauranga City Council spokesman said the road had reopened however traffic was still heavy so motorists should still avoid the area if possible.

EARLIER:

A crane has been called in to remove a truck that rolled on a busy Mount Maunganui road during peak morning traffic this morning.

The removal of the truck, which was carrying a container at the time, could take a couple of hours at least once the operation started, Tauranga City Council said.

During this time there would be no right turn out of Totara St towards the Harbour Bridge.

Police will be onsite doing points duty, the council said in a statement.

Scene of the crash this morning. Photo / George Novak

The council said traffic was very congested in both directions so motorists were advised to avoid the area and use State Highway 29.

NZ Transport Agency said westbound traffic would be diverted between Totara St and Tasman Quay on State Highway 2 Hewletts Rd from 11.30am. Eastbound traffic would be down to one lane between Tasman Quay and Totara St and westbound traffic directed into the left-hand eastbound lane between Totara St and Tasman Quay, where they will return to the westbound lanes.

All southbound traffic on Totara St will be directed to turn left, with those wishing to head west toward Tauranga required to continue east down Hewletts Rd to the Newton St roundabout, where they will be able to turn around to head west down Hewletts Rd.

Traffic lights at the Hewletts Rd/Totara St intersection will be flashing orange.

UPDATE 11:40AM
Long delays are occurring both north and south of this crash scene with vehicle recovery underway and traffic control in place. Delay your journey or allow extra time. ^TPhttps://t.co/jIcsPtbCPX

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Waikato/BoP (@WakaKotahiWaiBP) March 8, 2020

Motorists are encouraged to delay their travel or use alternative routes.

A police spokeswoman said emergency services were called to the crash scene on Hewletts Rd near Totara St about 7.37am.

A lane was blocked for a stage, however, it reopened about 8.10am, she said.

A Bay of Plenty Times reporter at the scene said around 15 people had been standing around the truck in high vis vests as well as two police officers.

A heavy tow truck was on scene and traffic was backed up until Baypark, slowly moving through one lane past the crash site.

A St John spokeswoman said one person had received minor injuries and had not been taken to hospital.

Earlier crews at the scene were carrying sacks and it looked like there was a leak coming from the truck.

Scene of the crash this morning. Photo / George Novak

The city-bound lane was blocked and congested on each side of the crash scene, particularly on Totara St.

A Fire and Emergency NZ spokesman said fire crews were not required.