Fuel tanker crash closes Transmission Gully SH1, motorists urged to take SH59

Wellington motorists can expect delays after an early morning crash and subsequent fuel spill closed Transmission Gully State Highway 1 between Pāutahanui and Paekākāriki.

A Fire and Emergency spokesperson said crews were notified at 5.40am of a significant fuel spill after a crash involving a fuel tanker and another vehicle.

A specialist hazardous materials unit, eight fire appliances and a tanker were at the scene, along with a command unit, the spokesperson said.

A police spokesperson said there were no reports of injuries as a result of the crash, but confirmed fuel was leaking from the tanker.

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Police crews responded to a crash between two trucks on the Transmission Gully motorway reported about 5.40am near the Paremata Haywards Road on-ramp, the spokesperson said.

The northbound and southbound lanes of the motorway were closed and police advised motorists to avoid the area.

The road was expected to be closed for some time, they said.

Waka Kotahi said the stretch of SH1 between Pāutahanui and Paekākāriki was closed as of 6am due to the crash approximately 3km south of the Paekākāriki offramp.

The transport agency said motorists should expect delays and avoid the area.

Motorists heading northbound were urged to take the State Highway 58 from Pāutahanui onto State Highway 59, then State Highway 1 after Paekākāriki.

Meanwhile, southbound travellers should use State Highway 59 from Paekākāriki onto State Highway 1 at Porirua.

Traffic congestion was heavy and delays were already occurring as commuters took the alternate SH59 route, Waka Kotahi said.

“Drivers heading in and out of Wellington can expect significant delays while the highway remains closed, and the crash scene is cleared,” the transport agency said.