State Highway 36 closed from noon for truck recovery following crash

The incident occurred around 4.30pm yesterday afternoon. Photo / George Novak

State Highway 36 has closed and is not expected to re-open until late afternoon or early evening as contractors remove the logging truck that crashed into a river yesterday.

The logging truck went off the road and crashed into a river on Pyes Pa Rd yesterday afternoon.

A Bay of Plenty District Health Board spokeswoman said the driver, a 51-year-old Cambridge man, was now in a stable condition in Tauranga Hospital.

The incident happened about 4.30pm.

The road is the direct route between Rotorua and Tauranga. Photo / George Novak

The road closed between Hamurana and Pyes Pa at midday to allow for the removal of the truck.

The road is expected to re-open late afternoon or possibly early evening.

The road is the direct route between Rotorua and Tauranga.

Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for detours.

Motorists can expect delays and should allow extra time for detours. Photo / George Novak