Waikato Expressway blocked at Tamahere after truck rolled

NZTA people should avoid the area or follow the signposted detour, which is via SH 26 and SH 1B.

The Waikato Expressway is closed at Tamahere in both directions after a truck carrying contaminated asbestos rolled south of Cambridge Rd.

Police said emergency services received reports of a crash on State Highway 1 near Tamahere at 11.20am.

“No injuries have been reported at this stage.”

Police said motorists should expect delays and avoid the area if possible.

“Traffic management is en route and emergency services are working to clear the road.”

A New Zealand Transport Agency bulletin said the Waikato Expressway was closed in each direction south of Cambridge Rd due to an “extensive clean-up” following a truck roll near the Tamahere Drive off-ramp.

“The truck’s load has spilled across a significant area and contains contaminated asbestos material, which means the clean-up requires a full closure of the Expressway for safety.”

The bulletin said people should avoid the area or follow the signposted detour, which is via State Highway 26 and State Highway 1B.

“The Expressway will reopen once the clean-up is complete, which may take a few hours.”

Maryana Garcia is a Hamilton-based reporter covering breaking news in Waikato. She previously wrote for the Rotorua Daily Post and Bay of Plenty Times.