Two morning crashes: SH2 north of Napier closes, expressway remains closed

State Highway 2 has been hit by crashes in two different places at the same time in Hawke's Bay.

State Highway 2 north of Napier will be closing from 1pm while the road is cleared following a crash this morning.

The highway was closed south and partially blocked north of Napier after two separate crashes about the same time on Wednesday.

A truck crash earlier partially blocked the highway at Tangoio.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi later stated the road will be closed between Tutira and the intersection with Tangoio Settlement Road from 1pm for about 2-3 hours while crews remove the truck and clear the road.

The agency said there was no detour and delays were expected.

Meanwhile a stretch of Hawke’s Bay Expressway remains closed between the Pākōwhai/Links Road and Evenden Road roundabouts, following a separate crash.

Northbound traffic is being detoured right onto Evenden Road, left onto Pākōwhai Road, before continuing north onto the expressway. The reverse will apply for southbound vehicles.

The expressway closed after a truck and trailer hit and then stopped on top of a wire median barrier.

The crash occurred about 7.15am. The truck was in the northbound lane of the expressway, State Highway 2, when it hit the barrier on a stretch of road between the Evenden Rd and Pakowhai Rd and Links Rd roundabouts.

No injuries were reported in either crash.

Conditions on Hawke’s Bay roads are tricky, with persistent steady rain overnight.