UPDATE 11.50AM: State Highway 2 between Kauri Point and Woodland roads is open again after the removal of a truck wedged against a roadside barrier.

The section of road north of Katikati was closed from 9.30 to 11.40am as crane contractors lifted the truck from the side of the road.

Crane contractors remove the truck. Photo: Supplied.

During the closure a motorist at the scene said traffic was backed up in both directions with cars diverted up a grass verge on the side of the road. Trucks were lined up at either side of the incident.

The truck, involved in a crash with two cars at 5.30am, was left against the roadside barrier with specialist equipment, including a crane, needed to remove the wrecked truck.

Guardrail barrier repairs will take place over the next week, says the NZ Transport Agency.

The early morning crash has left four men in Tauranga Hospital with minor injuries, including a 36-year-old, two 25-year-old men and a 28-year-old.