State Highway 1 reopens after crash near Te Kauwhata on Waikato Expressway

The Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter attended the crash. Photo / Supplied

State Highway 1 was reopened near Hampton Downs following a four-car crash that resulted in both lanes being temporarily closed.

Police were notified of the incident around 3.45pm and initial reports suggest four people have been injured.

The Trustpower TECT Rescue Helicopter attended the scene and said several occupants of the vehicles sustained minor injuries.

One woman was seriously injured and was stabalised at the scene before being airlifted to Waikato Hospital for further treatment.

Both directions were blocked until 6pm but the New Zealand Transport Agency said the southbound lane had reopened about 6pm.

Traffic heading in both directions fully opened to the public at 6.40pm. Motorists are being asked to use alternative routes where possible.

SH1 HAMPTON DOWNS - CRASH - 6.40PM FINAL UPDATE
The road has FULLY OPENED in both directions, please expect heavy delays in the area as congestion from the crash clear. ^MF https://t.co/pnpYG7HzP4

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Waikato/BoP (@WakaKotahiWaiBP) July 31, 2018

The incident occurred between Whangamarino Rd and Wayside Rd and the New Zealand Transport Agency said earlier that contractors were en route.

Southbound traffic was diverted onto Hall Rd, while northbound traffic was asked to exit SH1 on Plantation Rd.

Closer to the city, a crash on the Southern Motorway in the southbound lanes just before the Ellerslie Panmure off-ramp caused delays back to Newmarket. The lanes had been cleared but traffic was still heavy.

UPDATE 5.45PM
SH1 is closed, south of Hampton Downs, between Hall Road and Wayside Road, due to a serious crash, please follow directions of emergency services on site and avoid the area if possible. ^MF https://t.co/pnpYG7HzP4

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Waikato/BoP (@WakaKotahiWaiBP) July 31, 2018

UPDATE 4.20PM
Due to this serious crash #SH1 near Hampton Downs is likely to close please avoid the area if possible. ^MF https://t.co/pnpYG7HzP4

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Waikato/BoP (@WakaKotahiWaiBP) July 31, 2018

UPDATE 4.20PM
Due to this serious crash #SH1 near Hampton Downs is likely to close please avoid the area if possible. ^MF https://t.co/pnpYG7HzP4

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Waikato/BoP (@WakaKotahiWaiBP) July 31, 2018

SH1 WAIKATO EXPY - CRASH - 4.05PM
A crash is blocking lanes in both directions between Whangamarino Road and Wayside Road near Te Kauwhata. Contractors are en route. Please AVOID the area if possible. https://t.co/bqUgk3ulZ6. ^MF pic.twitter.com/CW7l7D7cZy

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Waikato/BoP (@WakaKotahiWaiBP) July 31, 2018