Derailed train at Mercer update: SH1 traffic now following through detour via north bound lanes

A recovery operation after a train derailed spilling container goods onto one of the south bound lanes along State Highway 1 at Mercer, is expected to start within the next hour.

The NZ Transport Agency says south bound traffic is now being diverted through one of the north bound lanes for 0.5km along State Highway 1, in the north Waikato; while north bound traffic is restricted to a single lane. This is to enable both south bound lanes to be closed to allow the two cranes who will undertake the recovery operation sufficient room.

Traffic on State Highway 1 and adjacent highways could be impacted for several hours while the recovery of the wagons and clearing of the container goods from the highway is undertaken.

Regional Performance Manager, Karen Boyt says “We are doing everything possible to minimise any disruption to drivers and to ensure they have a safe journey.”

“Please take care when driving through this area, traffic management is in place to keep traffic flowing in both directions”, says Ms Boyt.

Motorists can find information about most road closures, detours and road works by calling the NZTA’s free phone on 0800 4HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49), which can also be used to report any significant road issues or hazards which people may come across during their travels.

The NZTA also uses other technology to provide information to enable drivers to make better informed choices about their travel. On The Move is a free service which enables people to sign up for information about crashes, road works and driving conditions on their frequently used routes - to sign up, go to www.onthemove.govt.nz.

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