Emergency services and the power company are on site but it’s expected to take several more hours before the lines are cleared and the road is opened again.
Motorists traveling north are advised to follow SH1 through Kawakawa and Moerewa rather than turning onto SH11.
Those heading south out of Paihia should follow SH11 through Haruru and Oromahoe.
For the latest traffic and travel information visit www.nzta.govt.nz. Plan ahead by signing up to www.onthemove.govt.nz to get email notifications about road and traffic conditions on the route you plan to travel. Don’t forget to check twitter and facebook for regular updates on delays and incidents.