Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency advises clean-up work continues on State Highway 29 at the Omanawa River Bridge on the Kaimai Range, after a truck crashed spilling molasses on the road on Thursday.

Clean-up is taking longer than usual, as the molasses is incredibly sticky.

"Safety is our top priority and there is currently a 30km per hour temporary speed limit in place, with traffic control staff on-site 24/7 to monitor the area,' says an NZTA spokesperson.

A Stop/Go will be in place from 6pm this evening to allow contractors to waterblast the road.

"While our contractors will endeavour to finish the clean-up tonight, they may need to return to the site tomorrow night to undertake further waterblasting."

A truck carrying molasses hit a bridge near Omanawa Road just after 11.30am on Thursday.

About 11,000 litres of the sticky substances spilled onto the road as a result of the crash.

Under the current nationwide COVID-19 Alert Level 4 lockdown, people should only be travelling to access or provide essential supplies or services, and anyone who is using this road is asked to take care, plan ahead, adhere to the temporary speed limits and follow the directions of traffic management staff and signage.

Waka Kotahi thanks motorists for their patience.

Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with:

Traffic updates:

• journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic
• Facebook: facebook.com/NZTAWaikatoBoP
• Twitter: twitter.com/WakaKotahiWaiBP
• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)