A Nelson man has died after being hit by a car last night while crossing Queen Elizabeth II Dr.

He was 56-year-old Michael Bruce Wixon, a transient, who was crossing to the seaward side of the road.

The crash happened soon after 7pm on the state highway about 300 metres east of the Trafalgar St roundabout. The area is near a traffic layby, opposite Sovereign St.

Senior Sergeant Grant Andrews said initial inquiries indicated the man was crossing from the city towards the sea and had come out from behind two cars heading into town before being hit by a car heading towards Atawhai.

Mr Andrews said police would like to speak to the drivers of the two vehicles heading towards town that had passed the man shortly before the accident.

The man who suffered serious injuries died at Nelson Hospital's emergency department.

The incident was being investigated by the serious crash investigator and would be referred to the coroner in due course, he said.

The highway was closed about three hours for scene investigation.

St John Ambulance spokesman Jon Leach said staff had attended the scene to treat the man.

"He was in a life-threatening condition at the scene and was transported to the emergency department, where he subsequently passed away."

The man had suffered multiple traumas but mainly head injuries, which would have likely been the major contributor to his death, he said.

The accident has highlighted the need for better promotion of a nearby pedestrian underpass, NZ Transport Agency regional operations manager Mark Owen said.

He said there was an underpass beneath the nearby bridge which was between the Haven Rd and Trafalgar St roundabouts. Promoting its use was something NZTA would now do.

Victim Support is assisting the driver and witness to the accident.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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