One hour — a car on fire, two crashes and long delays on Auckland's southern motorway

Auckland motorists heading south this evening are being urged to use alternative routes as there will be long delays following three separate car incidents late this afternoon.

A car fire led to road closures on the State Highway 1 and 16 links, southbound, at Fanshawe St.

Large plumes of smoke could be seen from across the city and emergency services worked quickly to clear the lanes. The road was reopened about 4.45pm.

Delays on the Harbour Bridge extended after a crash on a city-bound lane, on the bridge, shortly afterwards.

That accident was blocking the left lane of the clip-on for some time and led to heavy city-bound traffic from as far back as Northcote.

At 5.20pm, another crash - near the Market Rd off-ramp on the southern motorway - caused heavy congestion.

A police spokeswoman said officers were at the scene of the two-car crash, which was blocking the south-bound middle lane.

It is not yet known whether anyone has been injured, but St John are at the scene.

The Fire Service was also called to the crash site briefly.

NZ Transport Agency is urging drivers to expect delays and to take care on the roads.

"Major delays travelling south over Auckland [Harbour[ Bridge,'' NZTA said on its Twitter page.

If you're wondering why you're stuck in traffic... #auckland pic.twitter.com/7ngXbg6YWn

— Sam Wallace (@BreakfastSam) February 9, 2017

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The delays may add to the already-expected traffic by those travelling in and around the city to attend the Auckland Lantern Festival, which kicks off tonight at the Auckland Domain at 7.30pm.

Due to a crash (clear of lanes) S-Bnd on the Harbour Bridge, citybound traffic is heavy from Northcote. Expect delays & take extra care ^LC pic.twitter.com/7IpcsnvquZ

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) February 9, 2017

People attending the event are being encouraged by organisers to travel by bike, as two valet bike parks next to the festival are being set up.

Auckland Transport said evening stop closures and diversions were being put in place until the last day of the festival, on Sunday.

Traffic delays possible in Grafton/CBD area each evening 9-12 Feb with Lantern Festival on at Auckland Domain. #AllowExtraTime ^TP

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) February 9, 2017