Auckland traffic: Delays into town after early morning crashes

A number of crashes on Auckland motorways early this morning are causing delays on the network. Image / NZTA

West Auckland motorists are being told to expect "heavier than usual" traffic heading into town after a number of crashes on the main motorway this morning.

A crash between Great North and St Lukes Rds on the Northwestern Motorway blocked the right lane, citybound, from 6.30am.

The area was cleared just before 7.30am but is still heavily congested.

The NZ Transport Agency is telling people to drive with care, delay travel times or expect delays on the commute this morning.

"Allow extra time with SH16 heavier-than-usual this morning," NZTA said.

Traffic is usually heavy on the Northwestern from Hobsonville, Massey and Lincoln Rds most days, particularly due to continued road works between Royal Rd and Lincoln Rd on the motorway that slow motorists down.

UPDATE 7:20AM
All lanes citybound now available again between Gt North Rd and CBD. Allow extra time with SH16 heavier-than-usual this morning. ^TPhttps://t.co/UV2vxflYAR

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) September 24, 2019

The crash came after another one blocked two right lanes, citybound, on the Northwestern near the Newton offramp just before 6am.

The site was quickly cleared about 6.10am, but traffic had already started to build in the area as people were heading into work.

Traffic cameras showed at least two vehicles blocking the two right lanes and a long snake of vehicles moving at a crawl on the one left lane.

UPDATE 7:00AM
This crash now moved clear of lanes. Allow extra time for a slower commute citybound from Manukau this morning. ^TPhttps://t.co/QvJrrroNSM

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) September 24, 2019

Motorists coming in from south of the city were not spared either - with a crash on the Southern Motorway leaving the right lane blocked just after Princes St.

SH16 NORTHWESTERN MWY, EASTBOUND - 5:55AM
A crash is blocking the two right lanes (of five) CITYBOUND near the Newton Rd off-ramp, after St Lukes. Merge left with care to pass and expect delays. ^TP pic.twitter.com/oBfJTcnwFM

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) September 24, 2019