Heavy traffic was backed up along State Highway 1, south of Balclutha, for several hours yesterday after a truck and trailer unit tipped over.
Constable Darren Huddleston, of Balclutha, said the 20-tonne truck and trailer unit was being driven south when it left the road and tipped over on a ''sweeping bend'' shortly after 4am.
The 24-year-old Dunedin driver suffered minor ''bumps and bruises'' but escaped major injury.
When emergency services arrived early yesterday morning, the truck and trailer was blocking the road, Const Huddleston said.
A crane was called in, and spent several hours shifting the big rig. The crash occurred at Clifton, about 15km south of Balclutha.
Detours were in place for most vehicles, but heavy traffic was restricted to State Highway 1 and was periodically let through on one lane to reduce queues.
The highway was fully cleared about 3.30pm.
The refrigerated truck was carrying fresh produce, and contractors removed the produce from the scene. No produce was spilt from the truck.
Police inquiries continue into the cause of the crash.
