Motorcyclist critical after collision with truck, Christchurch’s Southern motorway closed

A motorcyclist is critically injured after colliding with a truck on Christchurch’s Southern Motorway.

Curletts Rd (State Highway 73) has been forced to close “for some time”, which is expected to cause major traffic issues for commuters this morning.

A police spokesperson said they were called to the intersection at Lunns Rd at 5.40am.

“The rider of the motorcycle is being treated for critical injuries.”

The spokesperson said the Serious Crash Unit is attending and the intersection is “likely to be closed for some time”.

Motorists are being advised to use alternate routes.

UPDATE 6:30AM
SH73 is CLOSED to southbound traffic at Lunns Rd, while emergency services respond to a serious crash.
Access from northbound lanes into Lunns Rd is not currently available. The road remains open to northbound through traffic. Police SCU investigations are required. https://t.co/RbY0gB4dPq pic.twitter.com/zVj7G4Ebda

— NZ Transport Agency - Canterbury & West Coast (@nztacwc) February 20, 2025