Rush-hour chaos on Auckland motorways, lanes closed and tunnel blocked

There is traffic chaos for this morning’s commuters as a crash and overheight vehicle forces the closure of separate main routes.

The northbound side of the Waterview Tunnel was brought to a halt twice, once when a truck lost its load and it spilled over a lane, and another when an over-height truck attempted to enter.

Meanwhile, a multi-vehicle crash involving another truck interrupted commuters on Auckland’s Southern Motorway.

The two right-hand lanes on the northbound side between Ellerslie-Panmure Highway and Greenlane were forced to close after the crash. They have since been reopened.

Photos posted to social media by the NZ Transport Agency show a large truck carrying building materials and a sedan facing sideways across the lanes. The crash also involves a van.

UPDATE 7:15AM
This is now clear of lanes, all lanes here are OPEN. Expect some residual delays. ^MS https://t.co/hGqnYS1ayJ

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) January 31, 2024

The NZ Transport Agency advised motorists to pass with care and expect residual delays.

Meanwhile, due to a potential overheight vehicle, the northbound Waterview Tunnel was temporarily closed but has since reopened.

A truck lost its load on the same side of the tunnel a short while later and brought traffic to a halt once again at 9.20am. The incident was quickly cleared but residual delays are to be expected.

SH20 NORTHBOUND WATERVIEW TUNNEL - 7:45AM
Due to a potential overheight vehicle the Northbound Waterview Tunnel has been temporarily closed. Delay your journey until reopening clearance is obtained shortly. ^MS pic.twitter.com/boUuHtRT1t

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) January 31, 2024