Tauranga Direct Rd (SH36) is expected to be closed until at least 5pm, after a truck rolled this morning.
A tow truck and crane were needed to help free the trapped driver, a Tauranga 54-year-old, after the crash. He was taken to Rotorua Hospital with minor injuries.
The truck overturned on State Highway 36 near the intersection of Kaharoa and Stewart Rds about 10am.
This afternoon the New Zealand Transport Agency estimated the road would be closed in both directions until 5pm.
Rotorua police Sergeant Chris McLeod said the truck was blocking both lanes.
"We [were] waiting on a tow truck with a crane from Rotorua to tow the cab away from the bank so to be able to cut him free.
"We're talking to the driver and he is as comfortable as can be in this situation," he said earlier.
The driver has since been freed.
Mr McLeod said the truck and trailer unit was carrying one container which held non-dangerous goods.
"It was travelling north, coming around the corner when, for whatever reason, it crossed the centre line and tipped on its side."
Mr McLeod said roads were expected to be closed until at least 2pm. Diversions have been set up at Jackson Rd and at Kaharoa Rd.