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'Expect delays' as bridge over Canterbury river reopens after crash

By 1News Reporters
45 mins ago
NZTA shared an image of the traffic building up over the Rakaia River bridge this morning.

NZTA shared an image of the traffic building up over the Rakaia River bridge this morning. (Source: NZTA)

State Highway 1 over the Rakaia Bridge in Canterbury is back open this morning following an earlier three-vehicle crash.

A police spokesperson said the crash blocked both lanes of the Rakaia Bridge - about 57km southwest of Christchurch - around 6.30am.

"There are no reports of serious injuries, however there will be delays while the vehicles involved are cleared," police said.

Shortly after 8am, New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said the bridge was open again following the crash.

"Road users are advised to take extra care and to expect delays until congestion has cleared," an NZTA spokesperson said.

The bridge is New Zealand's longest at 1757 metres long.

Image below of traffic backed up on the Rakaia Bridge after a crash.

Image below of traffic backed up on the Rakaia Bridge after a crash. (Source: NZTA)

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