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The DCC says the tree fell down after heavy rain and winds this week. PHOTO: ROB KIDD Work continues to remove a large tree blocking part of Portobello Road in Dunedin. 

Police said they received reports that a tree was down near Maramoana picnic ground, next to Pineapple Rock in Edwards Bay, early this morning.

A Dunedin City Council spokesman said one lane was opened up earlier today, but motorists will face short delays in the afternoon as contractors work to remove the tree.

A crane was being brought in and traffic would need to be stopped in both directions for up to 10 minutes at a time.

The work will pause periodically to allow traffic through.

"We apologise for the inconvenience. We hope to complete this work by the end of the day and ask road users to please be patient."

The tree was down in Portobello Rd at Pineapple Rock in Edwards Bay. PHOTO: ROB KIDD