Holiday gridlock easing in Auckland after crashes

Traffic is heavy and slow on Auckland's Southern Motorway as holidaymakers and commuters begin the crawl south to escape the city for Christmas.

A crash that was blocking two southbound lanes on the Southern Motorway near Greenlane has been cleared but NZTA Auckland is warning to expect delays anyway.

It said traffic was heavy from Spaghetti Junction following the crash which was cleared about 3.30pm.

Airport-bound motorists have been urged to allow extra time or consider alternative routes.

The NZTA said traffic was heavy on George Bolt Memorial Drive, SH20A.

#AklTraffic heavy airport-bound on #SH20A (George Bolt Mem Dr) right now. Allow extra time or consider using #SH20B (Puhinui Rd) ^TP pic.twitter.com/CJalMjVxzy

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) December 23, 2016

Motorists should consider using Puhinui Rd, SH20B, to avoid the delays.

Earlier, a collision between a truck and van caused traffic delays on Auckland's Southeastern Highway before Sylvia Park.

A police spokesman said they received a report that the truck had flipped from the eastbound lane over the barrier to the westbound lane.

UPDATE: Two lanes southbound currently blocked now. Avoid area if possible. Congestion is building ^TP
https://t.co/vs4a5OGUDA

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) December 23, 2016

The crash has now been cleared but drivers should still expect delays as congestion eases.

A police spokesman said the crash had caused multiple nose-to-tail collisions in the westbound lane.

Heavy traffic at Greenlane. Photo / NZTA

A crashed van at the accident near Sylvia Park Mt Wellington. Photo / Jurgens Engelbrecht

UPDATE: This crash scene NOW CLEARED. Please #AllowExtraTime for congestion in the area to ease ^TP
https://t.co/GppOrpwlKM

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) December 23, 2016

The Fire Service is stopping traffic and St John Ambulance is at the crash.

A St John spokeswoman said one person had minor injuries. It was not yet known if they would be transported to hospital.

Tow trucks are on the way to remove both vehicles.

Emergency services attend the scene of a crash near Sylvia Park, Mt Wellington. Photo / Supplied via Karan Arora

Heading up north tomorrow? #SH1 from Puhoi to Wellsford expected to be heaviest 3pm-6pm. #HolidayHotspots: https://t.co/nQiU2yy0QG ^TP pic.twitter.com/joDXXaCLCp

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) December 23, 2016

Meanwhile, traffic is already starting to get busy on State Highway 1 through Warkworth and Wellsford, NZTA said.

"Please #bepatient & allow a little extra time," it tweeted.

But a crash that closed the Terrace Tunnel in Wellington has been cleared and the tunnel has reopened, NZTA Wellington said.

The traffic agency is already warning holidaymakers to plan ahead and expect delays around certain popular hotspots.

For those travelling south, SH1 through Huntly/Taupiri is expected to be heavy until 6pm.

The road is a notorious black spot and NZTA has tweeted that motorists can expect traffic to be heaviest between 3pm and 7pm on Christmas Eve.

Meanwhile NZTA Auckland is warning holidaymakers heading to the Coromandel Peninsula tomorrow to be wary of traffic congestion on State Highway 2 through Maramarua.

Heading to the Coromandel tomorrow? #SH2 thru Maramarua expected to be heaviest 3pm-7pm. #HolidayHotspots: https://t.co/wpUlgq7kFd ^TP pic.twitter.com/c9Y89UrqJo

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) December 23, 2016

In Christchurch, a set of traffic signals at the intersection of Moorhouse Ave, Lincoln Rd and Hagely Ave have been fixed and are back to normal operation.

The lights had been flashing yellow, and motorists urged to use the give way rules and take care through the area.

Christchurch drivers have been warned to expect heavy congestion in the wider Addington area because of a mixture of Christmas shopping traffic and poor weather.

Last-minute Christmas shoppers can expect increased traffic around malls in the lead-up to Sunday, NZTA Christchurch said.

"Roads around Tower Junction and Westfield Riccarton shopping malls are jam-packed."

Roadworks on Moorhouse Ave has stopped for the Christmas break with all lanes between Selwyn and Antigua streets reopened. Works will continue in the New Year with lanes westbound being reduced in the same area.

And Manchester St one way southbound has been reduced to one lane, also because of roadworks, NZTA said.

"It is now between Worcester and Hereford streets. Northbound traffic should use Madras St. This is due to road reconstruction."

Motorists are recommended to avoid:

• Blenheim Rd/Moorhouse Ave - from Montreal St to Wharenui Rd
• Clarence St - from Blenheim Rd to Riccarton Rd
• Lincoln Rd - from Moorhouse Ave to Barrington St

If possible, consider using Fendalton Rd, Deans Ave and the Southern Motorway as alternatives as traffic on these roads is moving much better.