Traffic delays after logs spill onto SH2 in Tauranga

Traffic is backed up after logs have been scattered across State Highway 2 in Tauranga.

The logs had been travelling on a truck and trailer which was travelling eastbound through Bethlehem when the vehicle lost its load this afternoon.

A police spokesman said six large logs fell onto the highway and have since been rolled to the side of the road.

"Motorists are going around the logs carefully but traffic is backing up," the spokesman said.

Police was called to the scene at 1.42 pm and there were no reported injuries.

Tara Childs was driving along SH2 and saw the logs strewn across the road.

"It looks like the truck had been going around the roundabout when it upturned."

She said traffic was heavy in the area.

"The traffic is built back to Te Puna."

A truck and trailer tipped on SH2 spilling logs over the road and causing traffic delays. Photo/ Samantha Motion

Winirangi Nichols was sitting at the table with her whanau at her home on the corner when they felt the house shake.

"We thought it was an earthquake."

She and her brothers ran outside and saw huge logs rolling over the road heading straight for their driveway.

"I was just going 'no, no don't hit my car!'"

Luckily, the logs hit the kerb and came to a stop. Luckier still, there had been no cars in the lane or people on the footpath as the logs crashed through.

Florist Kylie Dombroski said they heard "an almighty bang" and rushed outside to see a cloud of dust and logs strewn everywhere.

"We can't believe that with all of the traffic today no-one was hurt."

A detour is in place

-Southbound traffic is to turn left into Te Paeroa Rd, right into Carmichael Road, right into Bethlehem Road, left back onto SH2.
-The northbound lanes remain open