Crash, breakdown cause traffic headache crossing Auckland Harbour Bridge and getting to airport

A crash just south of the Auckland Harbour Bridge has brought traffic to a crawl this morning. Photo / via google maps

Traffic is returning to normal after parts of two major motorways - including the route to the city's international airport - were down to a crawl after a crash and a breakdown.

A minor accident before the Auckland Harbour Bridge led to major traffic problems on the city's central motorway while those driving to the airport were forced to negotiate a truck that had broken down at a key junction.

Airport travellers were told to take care at the intersection of George Bolt Memorial Dr and Kirkbride Rd with one lane blocked by the truck.

#Breakdown blocking a lane on George Bolt Mem Dr (SH20a) towards @AKL_Airport at Kirkbride Rd. Expect short delays nearby. ^WS pic.twitter.com/IYJtBsK7r4

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) May 28, 2017

The airport said airport-bound traffic was affected by the breakdown.

Truck has broken down, traffic light intersection of Kirkbride & State Highway 20A, blocking one lane, affecting airport bound traffic

— Auckland Airport (@AKL_Airport) May 28, 2017

It took around an hour for traffic to ease after the breakdown was cleared from the lane.

This #breakdown has been cleared & traffic has eased in the area. Thanks for your patience. ^WS https://t.co/4fEnUOUM6P

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) May 28, 2017

Meanwhile, the NZ Transport Agency earlier warned motorists to expect delays after the crash on the Northern Motorway between Victoria Park Tunnel and the bridge.

The accident had left the left lane blocked heading north.

#Crash blocking the left lane N-Bnd on Nthn Mwy between Victoria Park Tunnel and #Auckland Hrbr Bridge. #ExpectDelays. ^WS pic.twitter.com/KWyW99DHmS

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) May 28, 2017

Cars were queued in all lanes stretching back past Victoria Park Tunnel through to Spaghetti Junction and clogging streets in the central business district.

The transport agency said the crash had been cleared but traffic remained clogged.

UPDATE: This crash has now been cleared, #AklTraffic remains heavy N-Bnd through Spaghetti Junction. ^WS https://t.co/HmrwxqcSgJ

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) May 28, 2017