Police and emergency services are still at the scene of a crash between a truck and trailer and a car on SH1 near Levin that happened just before 8am.
The truck is still stuck partially hanging over the rail bridge and a heavy haulage tow has just arrived at the scene.
One lane is totally blocked on the bridge and the other lane is partially blocked.
The driver of the southbound car has been airlifted to Palmerston North hospital in a critical condition.
Preliminary indications show that a northbound truck and trailer unit collided with a south bound car on the rail overbridge at Ohau.
There are no detours, so traffic near the scene will have a two or more hour wait for emergency services to clear the scene.
There is no alternative route and Police are aware that there is a tail north-bound stretching to Ohau and the south bound stream of cars is backed up to Otaki at least.
Police urge drivers to be patient, or avoid the scene altogether while the road is being cleared.
We will update media when the road is opened.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre