Photo: RNZ

State Highway 1 is closed in Northland between Kaiwaka and the Brynderwyn Hills due to a fallen tree threatening power lines.

The NZ Transport Agency said the highway was expected to remain closed for about two hours, and there were major delays for traffic travelling both north and south.

Motorists were advised to delay their journeys or, if that was not possible, to detour via Baldrock Road and Kaiwaka-Mangawhai Road.

SH1 BRYNDERWYN-KAIWAKA – 12:10PM
Due to a tree fallen between Baldrock Rd & Mountain Rd, #SH1 is now CLOSED between Kaiwaka township and Baldrock Rd, Brynderwyn. Delay your journey or allow extra time detour for light vehicles only: https://t.co/Q4pIs3Xxr6 ^TP pic.twitter.com/QC1gFrEPtN

— NZ Transport Agency – Auckland & Northland (@nztaaklnth) November 21, 2024

NZTA said the detour was not suitable for heavy vehicles.

Google Maps showed northbound traffic backing up to a point about 2km south of Kaiwaka at 1pm. Cars trying to go south are backed up to the foot of the Brynderwyn Hills.

If NZTA’s estimate were correct, the highway could be closed until 3pm.

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