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State Highway 3 through Awakino Gorge reopens following midday crash

State Highway 3 through Awakino Gorge reopens following midday crash
Tony Skilling

Tony Skilling

1 July 2026

Road ReopenedTraffic Awakino Gorge
State Highway 3 through the Awakino Gorge has reopened and congestion is easing following a crash north of the major slip site.

Update 1:46pm: State Highway 3 through Awakino Gorge has reopened following a crash just after midday.

The crash occurred to the north of the major slip site.

The site has now been cleared and the road reopened.

Please expect delays as congestion eases, and drive to the conditions.

--
Original post:

State Highway 3 through Awakino Gorge is currently closed following a crash this afternoon.

The crash occurred north of the major slip site, and the road is closed between Piopio and Awakino.

Emergency services are on site at the moment. In the meantime, NZTA advises motorists to avoid the area.

State Highway 3 Awakino Gorge Car Crash Road Closure NZTA

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