Rush-hour crash leaves Auckland’s Southwestern Motorway gridlocked near Hillsborough

Two lanes northbound remain blocked at this crash between Papakura and Takanini and emergency services are on the scene. Photo / Waka Kotahi

Motorists ae being told to expect heavy delays on Auckland’s Southwestern Motorway after a crash during rush-hour traffic.

It comes after another crash left two northbound lanes blocked on Auckland’s Southern Motorway.

The crash on the Southwestern Motorway had blocked the right southbound lane after the Hillsborough Rd on-ramp just past Queenstown Rd overbridge. The crash is now cleared.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi was asking motorists to pass with care and expect delays. Traffic was backed up for more than 4km, according to Google Maps.

SH20 SOUTHWESTERN MWY - 8:40AM
A crash is blocking the right southbound lane after Hillsborough Rd on-ramp, just past Queenstown Rd overbridge. Merge with care to pass. Expect delays. ^TP pic.twitter.com/JzffDiWEiC

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) February 19, 2024

Meanwhile, on the Southern Motorway, traffic was backed up for 11.7km and it was taking motorists an hour and 40 minutes to get from Ramarama to Takanini after a two-vehicle crash this morning.

NZTA said two lanes northbound had now reopened after being blocked for 30 minutes between Papakura and Takanini.

“Delay your journey or expect long delays north through this area this morning.”

The agency is still urging motorists to allow extra time for their morning commute and to expect residual delays.

UPDATE 7:15AM
All northbound lanes have now reopened, with vehicle recovery still underway. Allow extra time this morning as residual delays through the area start to slowly ease. ^TP https://t.co/tN8FLRKVtu

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) February 19, 2024