Crash causes delays on State Highway 39

Emergency services were called to the scene of the crash. Photo / File

Skiers and other holiday makers planning to use a popular Waikato backroad between Auckland and the Central Plateau's mountains are being warned to expect delays after a second truck crash in as many days.

Emergency services were at the scene of a crash on State Highway 39, near the intersection with Ormsby Road, where a truck and trailer unit hit a power-pole and left the road about 4am, Waikato district road policing manager, Inspector Freda Grace, said.

The 40-year-old male driver suffered minor injuries in the crash and was taken to Waikato Hospital by ambulance, Mrs Grace said. It appeared he had failed to negotiate a bend, she said.

"The crash is being investigated by the Commercial Vehicle Investigation Unit and we're currently looking into what part, if any, fatigue played in what occurred."

SH39 would be closed shortly for several hours to allow a salvage operation to commence, Mrs Grace said.

"Diversions will be in place, but given it's a Friday and the first week of the school holidays, this route is very popular with skiers heading down to the slopes so we're urging people to allow themselves plenty of time."

Today's crash was of particular concern because it came a day after a tanker crash in the same area, she said.

The area was a popular skiing route as well as a popular trucking route.

Road users needed to ensure they were sharing the road and driving to the conditions, Mrs Grace said.

"Given SH39 is a focus highway for our staff over the year, we want to see all road users leaving the speed to the slopes and arrive at their destinations well rested and ready for the off-road challenges."