Manawatu Gorge road has reopened

The Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter was dispatched to the Manawatu George late Friday morning to assist emergency services. Photo / Supplied

The Manawatu Gorge road has reopened following the recovery of a truck that plummeted off the road and into the river on Friday.

A man and woman aged in their 40s were injured when the B-train truck they were in plunged 50 metres off the road, but both have since been discharged from Palmerston North Hospital.

The New Zealand Transport Agency's acting highway manager Ross I'Anson confirmed this afternoon the road would re-open at 4pm today after it was closed so the truck could be hauled out of the river.

"The truck recovery operation went smoothly and the contractor was able to retrieve the truck from the river."

However, the damaged guard rail was yet to be fixed, so the crash site would be reduced to one lane and remain under temporary traffic management, controlled by traffic lights, Mr I'Anson said.

"Motorists may experience short delays when travelling through the site. We plan to repair the guard rail as soon as possible. We appreciate people's patience while we deal with this unexpected incident."

The public would be told via the agency's website, social media channels and electronic signs at Ashhurst and Woodville when the road was fully open again, he said.

Updates on travel information is also available by calling 0800 44 44 49.