March madness: Roadworks, start of university make a slow start for Auckland commuters

Traffic is even worse than normal across Auckland this morning with extensive roadworks and students heading back to university combining to make a perfect storm.

March is typically Auckland's busiest month on the roads, with the summer traffic lull ending just as the first semester of university begins.

Roadworks in the central city have already been hampering traffic since January, and now drivers to the CBD will also have the closure of the Albert St-Wellesley St intersection to contend due to City Rail Link construction.

Google Maps shows commuters across the city are facing travel times 6-7 minutes longer than normal on streets that are normally clogged already.

Traffic is slower than normal across the city this morning. Image / Google Maps

Bus strikes are also looming this month after contract negotiations between NZ Bus and two unions failed to reach an agreement last week. One third of Auckland's bus services could be affected.

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On Auckland's Northern Motorway citybound traffic is backed up to Lonely Track Rd in Albany despite no apparent incidents causing delays.

Earlier this morning a breakdown was blocking the left lane citybound after Ellerslie-Panmure Highway. It was cleared around 6.20am but traffic is still heavy.

UPDATE 7:00AM
This crash now cleared, with two lanes north on Great South Rd available again. ^TPhttps://t.co/aGwrF62WlW

— Auckland Transport (@AklTransport) March 1, 2020

SH20 SOUTHWESTERN MWY, SOUTHBOUND - 6:50AM
A breakdown is blocking the right lane southbound at Dominion Rd interchange. Merge left to pass with care and expect some delays. ^TP pic.twitter.com/UIu0Uv2fZu

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) March 1, 2020

A crash that was blocking the left lane of Great South Rd in Takanini, between Manuroa Rd and the motorway interchange, has also been cleared.