A Toyota Hilux has collided with the new barrier installed along Whakatu Dr this afternoon.
The front right wheel has come off the axle of the station wagon and around six posts have been stripped from the barrier by the vehicle.
Traffic is flowing freely but police are diverting drivers into the right hand lane.
It is unknown at this time if there are any injuries.
The 2.5km wire rope edge barrier was installed last month at a cost of $200k in an effort to make the highway safer for both drivers and pedestrians
When the barrier was first installed along the roadside acting highways manager Mark Owen said the barrier was specifically designed to deflect the motorist back into their lane.
“which means they won’t run the risk of hitting someone who is enjoying an evening bike ride or stroll.”
