UPDATE: Thousands of litres of bitumen is leaking from a truck after a breakdown near Rotorua.

Long delays have been reported on roads around Ngongotahā after police were called to the breakdown on State Highway 5, this morning.

Motorists have been advised to take the alternate road around the lake due to the “significant delays” from a partial road closure.“Emergency services were called to the scene, between Henderson Rd and Fairy Springs Rd, about 6am,” a police spokesman said.

NZ Transport Agency said southbound lanes on SH5 were blocked south of the SH36 roundabout.

“Stop/Go traffic management is in place. Expect delays.”

A Fire and Emergency NZ spokesman said 12,000 litres of bitumen was leaking from the truck towards a drain at a rate of 4 litres per minute.

Crews are working to isolate the leak and Bay of Plenty Regional Council had been advised and were coming from Tauranga, he said.

A specialist hazmat unit and other support vehicles were on scene.

EARLIER:

Delays are reported between Rotorua and Ngongotahā due to a truck breakdown this morning.

A police spokesperson said a bitumen tanker was leaking on State Highway 5.

“Emergency services were called to the scene, between Henderson Rd and Fairy Springs Rd, about 6am.”

NZ Transport Agency said southbound lanes on SH5 were blocked south of the SH36 roundabout.

People have commented on social media saying fire crews and police were on scene.

-Rotorua Daily Post.