State Highway 87 closed after burnt-out car left impaled on Taieri Bridge

Police are urging people to avoid the Taieri Bridge in Central Otago this morning after a burnt car was found impaled on the bridge.

A police media spokesman said the car was discovered by a motorist about 4.40am today.

The car had been burnt out, hit a guard rail and left impaled on the bridge, the caller told police.

No one was seen with the vehicle which was not hot, so it's presumed the crash happened earlier.

Firefighters were currently at the scene canvassing the area while contractors were en route.

However, they weren't expected to arrive until about 9am.

In the meantime, the road would remain closed.

A Christchurch City Council spokesman said State Highway 87 was closed at the bridge at Kokonga and no official detour had yet been put in place so people were asked to avoid the area.