Auckland traffic: Northwestern Motorway lane layout changes causes chaos for commuters

Lane layout changes along Auckland’s Northwestern Motorway caused major delays and a multi-vehicle car crash this morning as motorists adjusted to the changes.

Waka Kotahi NZTA advised motorists that the eastbound lanes between St Lukes and Newton Rds had been realigned to make the left lane an exit-only lane to Newton Rd.

It later reported that a car had flipped onto its side and was blocking the right eastbound lanes between St Lukes Rd and Newton Rd. Other lanes were brought to a standstill with crashed vehicles left straddling lanes.

The crash has now been cleared but delays were still expected.

SH16 NORTHWESTERN MWY - 9:35AM
A crash is blocking the right eastbound lanes between St Lukes Rd and Newton Rd. Merge left with care to pass and expect delays until cleared. ^TP pic.twitter.com/CsrYW0UDSs

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) March 26, 2023

Motorists were advised to merge right for all other destinations as they navigated the new lane layout.

“Take extra care this morning as motorists adjust to the new lane layout.”

SH16 NEW LANE LAYOUT - 6:15AM
Eastbound lanes between St Lukes Rd and Newton Rd have been realigned, with the left lane now an exit-only lane to Newton Rd. Merge right for other destinations and take extra care this morning as motorists adjust to the new lane layout. ^TP pic.twitter.com/9bOcLxTKqc

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) March 26, 2023

Around 7.30am, traffic queues spanned nearly 20km, right back to Westgate.

Google Maps indicated motorists were facing a 30-minute delay due to congestion.

The changes mean there are now only four lanes after the Newton Rd exit.

Please note there are now only 4 lanes after Newton Rd exit. Left lane to SH1 Northbound, middle-left to Nelson St, middle-right to SH1 Southbound, right to continue on SH16 to Port. Merge with extra care and expect delays this morning. ^TP pic.twitter.com/eMWYHu7991

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) March 26, 2023

Waka Kotahi outlines that the left lane heads to State Highway 1 northbound, the middle-left to Nelson St, middle-right to State Highway 1 southbound, and the right continues on to State Highway 16 to the Port.