Section of Auckland’s Southern Motorway reopens after serious truck, car and van smash causes five-hour closure

A section of Auckland’s Southern Motorway has reopened this afternoon after a serious truck, van and car smash caused a five-hour closure.

One person was reported to be critically injured.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency was advising motorists to avoid the Papakura and Takanini areas. Although lanes are now open, traffic remains heavy in the area.

“Due to the complexity of the crash and the recovery of the vehicles, all northbound lanes are expected to remain closed for the next few hours,” an NZTA spokesperson said earlier.

“There is significant congestion so please delay any travel in the area if you can otherwise expect lengthy delays.”

UPDATE - ROAD OPEN - 2:40PM
An earlier crash on #SH1 has been moved clear of lanes, the left northbound lane remains blocked to continue enabling cleaning of debris. Expect delays. Southbound lanes remain open. ^HJ https://t.co/FjfilALXbz

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) November 16, 2023

Police responded to the three-vehicle crash between Papakura and Takanini around 9.40am.

All northbound lanes were closed at 10am but police briefly opened one lane earlier to allow traffic stuck within the closure to pass.

Motorists are advised to divert via Great South Rd through Papakura and Drury as emergency services work at the scene. Southbound lanes remain open.

UPDATE 11:55AM
This section of #SH1 Southern Mwy will remain closed northbound for some time as NZ Police complete a serious crash investigation. Delay your journey or allow extra time for long delays on detours (via Gt South Rd) through the Papakura & Drury areas. ^TP https://t.co/FjfilALXbz

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) November 15, 2023

Police said early indications suggested one person was critically injured.

SH1 SOUTHERN MWY - ROAD CLOSED - 10:00AM
Due to a serious crash, all northbound lanes between Papakura and Takanini are now CLOSED. Please avoid this route or expect delays and diversions (via Great South Rd) for all northbound traffic. Southbound lanes remain open. ^TP pic.twitter.com/o2NryfJK5R

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) November 15, 2023

St John said it responded to the crash with six vehicles but transport to hospital was not required.

Traffic was gridlocked on the motorway between Takanini and Drury, with motorists sitting in an 8km queue.

The Serious Crash Unit was advised.

A large truck could be seen parked to the side of the motorway and people were in the mangroves next to it. Photos suggested a car came off the road.

The crash scene on Auckland's Southern Motorway.