Motorway chaos after series of crashes

An ambulance at the scene of a crash on the Northwestern Motorway. Photo / Steven McNicholl

Sections of the Auckland motorway network were brought to a standstill last night after a series of crashes.

A motorcyclist died in a crash on the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

The crash happened about 4.30pm on one of its southbound lanes. The serious crash unit is investigating.

Two city-bound lanes were closed after the crash, causing widespread congestion for southbound motorists.

City-bound traffic was backed up for several hours, with delays also leading to gridlock on roads leading on to the motorway, including Onewa Rd.

Auckland Transport warned of a "long delay" after the incident.

Meanwhile, emergency services were dispatched to a multi-vehicle crash on the Northwestern Motorway shortly before 7pm.

A man was rushed to hospital in a serious condition after the accident involving six cars on the city-bound fast lane, near the Great North Rd offramp.

"The injured person was in a serious way and was taken to hospital but there was no one trapped in the incident," a fire spokesman said.

The truck that rolled near St Lukes. Photo / Steven McNicholl

Earlier, motorists on the Northwestern Motorway faced a frustrating time after a truck rolled near St Lukes.

It is believed no one was injured in the 5.20pm incident but the fire service attended as a precaution.

"We were called out in case anyone was trapped, which appears not to be the case," a fire spokesman said.