Auckland motorway re-opened after crack repaired

Auckland's Northwestern Motorway has re-opened after urgent repairs were needed to fix a long crack in the road.

The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has confirmed that a section of State Highway 16 that was closed for almost four hours, causing long queues of traffic, has now been re-opened.

The city-bound lane saw a long crack develop along the surface of the highway at the Lincoln Road interchange, which is being upgraded by the Transport Agency.

The Transport Agency closed the Hobsonville Road and Royal Road on-ramps to help ease congestion.

NZTA acting highways manager Steve Mutton thanked Auckland drivers for their patience during the closure.

"We were able to keep one lane open but I realise it would have been a frustrating time, especially for those people heading in to the city for work this morning.

"Our priority was the safety of everyone using the motorway. We had to be satisfied that the repairs along the edge of the inside lane and shoulder had been successful before allowing traffic to use it again."

Westbound traffic on the Northwestern Motorway was not affected.