THE driver of a 4WD remains in critical condition after he was impaled by a light pole in a crash at South Ripley on Friday.

Witnesses at the scene said the driver of one car was believed to have crashed into the pole and the light assembly then went through the windscreen of the four-wheel-drive.

Police are investigating the crash which occurred at the intersection of Centenary Hwy and Ripley Rd, South Ripley.

A 63-year-old man from Undullah, south of Ipswich, who was the driver of the 4WD was taken to the Princess Alexandra Hospital with serious, life-threatening injuries. His family were passengers but escaped injury.

The Brisbane bound lanes of the Centenary Highway were closed from Grampian Drive, Deebing Heights and Augusta Park Way off ramp, Springfield for a number of hours, creating major traffic congestion.

Anyone with information should contact 1800 333 000.