Emergency services are at the scene and the closure is expected to remain in place for a few hours.
All traffic is being diverted via Tirau. The diversion will add approximately 40 minutes to regular travel time.
People can get information on road works and detours in the region they are in, or travelling to by checking www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic by calling 0800 444 449 or following the Transport Agency on Facebook or Twitter.
Bay of Plenty travellers can also go to www.drivelive.nz/tauranga, a dedicated website that tells drivers what the current travel times are to get to key places.