Auckland traffic: Motorists warned of delays after brief Waterview Tunnel closure

Motorists are being told to expect some delays on Auckland’s motorway network this morning, after a temporary tunnel closure, crash and car fire.

The Waterview Tunnel was closed for at least 15 minutes due to a potential overheight vehicle in the southbound lane, heading towards Mt Roskill.

The temporary closure was announced by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency at 7.30am. By 7.45am, authorities said all three lanes had since been fully open.

Despite that, members of the public are being told to allow for extra travel time this morning, as delays in the area ease.

FINAL UPDATE 7:45AM
All three lanes are now fully OPEN through the Southbound Waterview Tunnel. ^TP https://t.co/c0cZX8GOeX

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) January 24, 2024

Meanwhile, a reported vehicle fire was partially blocking the left southbound lane just after the Ellerslie Panmure Highway on-ramp on the Southern Motorway at 6.30am.

“Merge with care to pass and expect some delays until cleared,” a statement said.

UPDATE 6:35AM
This issue quickly cleared. All lanes are available again. ^TP https://t.co/xwgPBut2vK

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) January 24, 2024

Another incident was reported just after 6am on SH20 Southwestern Motorway, where a crash was partially blocking the right northbound lane after the Cavendish Rd on-ramp.

The crash was reported at 6.10am and was still blocking the right northbound an hour later, when road authorities said to expect long delays through the area still, as tow services were working to recover the vehicle.

Just before 8am, Waka Kotahi said all northbound lanes on SH20 had been fully cleared, but to allow for extra time due to delays.

FINAL UPDATE 7:55AM
This crash in northbound lanes on #SH20 has been fully cleared. Allow extra time as delays through the area ease. ^TP https://t.co/NCesaNH9aH

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) January 24, 2024