State Highway 3 closed after fatal motorbike crash

A police spokesman said police, fire and ambulance were racing to the remote crash site. Photo / File

A motorcyclist involved in crash with a truck in Taranaki this afternoon has died.

The accident happened 2km north of the Awakino Gorge Tunnel on State Highway 3 about 12.45pm.

Police this afternoon confirmed the motorcyclist had died.

The weather in the area has deteriorated, with heavy rain and wind, and police are reminding motorists to drive to the conditions.

Police have now opened one lane of the highway at the scene of the fatal crash.

However the lane is for cars only and motorists can still expect delays, so police are asking people to be patient.

Motorists are urged to slow down and drive to the conditions, increase their travelling distance from the car in front, and take extra care as visibility will be reduced and the roads will be greasy after the recent dry weather.

Police did not recommend using SH3 in this weather.

The motorcyclist's name would not be released until the family had been notified.