They say the highway will remain closed for some time until the truck and trailer are removed. File photo. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
State Highway 1 in the central North Island was closed for much of Monday at Rangitīkei after a heavy truck and trailer unit rolled.
The highway, about five minutes south of Taihape, was closed in the morning until the truck and trailer were removed.
There was no detour available and the road south of Rauma Rd was also closed. The Transport Agency suggested motorists used SH4 as an alternate route.
Police were told of the incident about 5am on Monday.
The highway reopened on Monday evening.
"Crews have been working alongside a crane and forklifts all day to clear the scene, before the road was reopened to one lane earlier this evening," Waka Kotahi / New Zealand Transport Agency said in a statement.
"The last of the pallets were cleared from the road just before 7pm and traffic is now able to use both lanes."
NZTA warned of a potential backlog of traffic, urging people to drive to the conditions and expect continued delays.