Motorway crash and truck height issues cause delays for morning commuters

A crash on the Southern Motorway has created headaches for morning commuters, with delays in south Auckland.

Waka Kotahi confirmed shortly after 7 this morning a crash has occurred on State Highway 1′s right southbound lanes, with both blocked between Takanini and Papakura.

“Expect delays and pass with care,” an update said.

The crash was cleared 10 minutes later, however, delays appear to be slowing traffic as far south as Drury and far north as Manurewa, with a little breathing room near Auckland’s Botanical Gardens.

Just ahead north, 12-minute delays are impacting motorway commuters in Manukau due to congestion.

At 7.05am, a truck that was at a potential risk of being overheight ended up partially blocking a section of a lane heading into the Waterview Tunnel.

The State Highway 20 blockage is still an issue for northbound commuters.

Waka Kotahi has urged drivers to merge with care.

A quick glance at Waka Kotahi’s travel dashboard shows a typically congested morning for Auckland’s drivers this morning - delays are to be expected across the city’s motorway network.

A typically congested morning on Auckland's motorway network. Photo / Google Maps

Of particular note are those travelling via State Highway 18 and 16 from Silverdale to the city, normally a 29-minute journey that will take drivers one hour and 17 minutes to complete.

Helensville into the city via State Highway 16 will take an hour and 6 minutes to drive, normally a 32-minute task.

West Auckland commuters headed from Te Atatu to South Auckland’s Manukau will need to allow for roughly 45 minutes for their journey.

Those living in the North Shore trying to access Auckland Airport this morning could be in for a serious wait, with congestion holding journey times at almost an hour and a half.