Mosgiel crash driver 'misjudged turn' - police

A crash in Mosgiel has caused big delays for road users this morning, in an area already under pressure due to diverted traffic from major roadworks. 

• Motorway delays on key route 

Police said they were alerted at 7.48am after a vehicle collided with a traffic light pole on the corner of Gladstone Rd South and Quarry Rd (State Highway 87). 

Senior Sergeant Anthony Bond, of Dunedin, said the 53-year-old male driver had been making a right-hand turn into Gladstone Rd South when he misjudged the turn and hit a traffic light pole, knocking it over.

St John said an ambulance was sent to the scene but two people "declined a full assessment".

There was no alcohol involved and no serious injuries reported, Snr Sgt Bond said.

Fire and Emergency NZ said a crew from Lookout Point and Mosgiel attended the scene. 

The NZ Transport Agency/Waka Kotahi advised the crash blocked the southbound lane of the road going in to Mosgiel.  Technicians were at the site as the traffic light had been knocked over and was damaged.

Motorists were advised to use Three Mile Hill Rd and to expect delays, police said. 

Earlier, officers directed traffic and fire crew helped people across the road.

However, stop/go traffic management was now in place, NZTA said.

"Please stop on request and pass with care."

Today's crash comes as drivers travelling north to Dunedin face weeks of delays with a lane of the motorway near Mosgiel closed for a major project.

NZTA/Waka Kotahi said a culvert replacement has closed the northbound lane of SH1 at Braeside from May 6 until June 3.

A detour between East Taieri and Kinmont Park (Mosgiel interchange) was in place 24 hours a day as the worksite takes up half the road-width.

Southbound drivers were also affected, with their lane down to 30kmh.