SH29 reopened after truck fire on lower Kaimai Range

UPDATE: One lane is now open on State Highway 29 following a truck fire which resulted in a large diesel spill this afternoon.

Stop/ go traffic management is in place and motorists should expect delays or consider delaying unnecessary travel.

EARLIER: State Highway 29 over the Kaimai Range will be closed after a truck and trailer fire caused a large diesel spill this afternoon.

Emergency services from Matamata responded to the incident about two kilometres east of Rapurapu Rd on the lower Kaimai Range where they are dealing with the situation.

SH 29 will now be closed for the next hour as New Zealand Transport Agency contractors work to clean the large diesel spill over both lanes of the road and is expected to re-open in about two hours.

Motorists are advised to take alternative routes and a detour is being set up via State Highway 36 and State Highway 5 for motorists travelling between Tauranga and Hamilton.