A crash and at least two breakdowns are causing delays on Auckland's motorways. Image / NZTA
It could be a long ride home tonight, after several breakdowns and crashes caused delays on Auckland's motorways early this evening.
Traffic was heavy on the northern, southern, northwestern and southwestern motorways.
A crash about 6pm on the southern motorway blocked the left northbound lane just after the Mt Wellington exit.
It has since been cleared, but motorists can expect some delays as a result.
There was also a multi-vehicle crash, citybound on the north western motorway at the Southern Link.
Earlier, a crash just after Lonely Track Rd resulted in heavy congestion between Onewa Rd and Upper Harbour Highway on the northbound lane of the northern motorway. Traffic was also heavy citybound - between Esmonde Rd and the Harbour Bridge.
On the southern motorway, a breakdown blocked the right lane after Khyber Pass around 4.30pm and there was another incident on the left shoulder of the motorway.
Southbound motorists can expect heavy congestion in some patches between the city and Mt Wellington, as well as between Manukau and Takanini.
Traffic is heavy between Mt Wellington and Greenlane, citybound, as is westbound traffic on the northern motorway; with delays between Great North Rd and Lincoln Rd, Henderson.
There are also queues for the Northern Link of the motorway, but those heading southbound via the Waterview Tunnel will be happy to know traffic is free-flowing both ways.
South of the city, a breakdown has led to traffic being heavy between Roscommon and Portage roads, on the southwestern motorway, and is also heavy coming up to Walmsley Rd.
Those heading south on that motorway can expect congestion from Mangere Bridge to Portage Rd and again approaching the Southern Link.
Meanwhile, a crash on Northcote Rd is blocking the right eastbound lane, opposite the Netball North Harbour centre.
As a result, there is a power outage in the Northcote area and multiple traffic lights are out - including the intersection of Esmonde Rd and Akoranga Drive - which may also cause delays.
A selection of cartoons from Herald cartoonist Rod Emmerson over the past year