80 tonne crane blocks SH1

File photo / APN

Traffic is backing up as contractors work to remove an 80 tonne crane blocking SH1 south of Taihape.

The crane came adrift from the truck carrying it near the Mangaweka Gorge and crashed across the northbound lane of the highway at about 6am today.

Only the southbound lane remained open to traffic.

Central Communications manager Marty Edghill said another crane had been working since 8am to clear the road.

It was a difficult job as the crashed crane weighed about as much as two fully laden logging trucks, he said.

"We've no idea how long it will take. It was expected to take an hour but we've gone well past that."

Police would investigate whether the crane was properly secured, said Mr Edghill.

- NZHERALD STAFF