UPDATED 4pm: Traffic is reduced to one lane on SH2 at Matata while police carry out a scene investigation after a pedestrian or cyclist was struck earlier by a vehicle on the intersection with Flax Road.

Police were called by ambulance service to attend a crash at 2.25pm today on SH2 near Flax Road., says a police spokesperson. A cyclist or pedestrian (not yet confirmed) suffered injuries when they were struck by a car.

The injured person was taken to Whakatane Hospital with serious injuries. A partial lane on SH2 was closed north bound towards Matata. This was expected to be lifted at 4pm.

Earilier: Traffic is heavy on SH2 West of Tauranga, and the New Zealand Transport Agency is warning of congestion further north at the roundabout with SH25.

Drivers are warned of delays and heavy congestion caused by Aucklnaders returning from the Coromandel, westbound through Mangatawhiri towards SH1.

There is also congestion caused by holiday traffic returning From Eastern Coromandel via SH25A.