State Highway 1 south of Warkworth cleared following truck fire, but NZTA warns traffic still heavy

State Highway 1 south of Warkworth has opened following a truck fire, but motorists are being warned to expect long delays today.

A New Zealand Transport Agency spokeswoman said in a statement this afternoon there were still delays in the area and motorists should allow plenty of time for their journey.

Earlier, an onlooker caught dramatic scenes of the truck ablaze in the middle of the road near Warkworth.

The truck caught fire at the intersection of SH1 and Satellite Station Rd, blocking traffic on SH1.

Plumes of black smoke billowed out from the truck before the Fire Service arrived to put it out.

Amazingly fast @NZFireService. Under 5 minutes to get there to help. Brilliant work. pic.twitter.com/bCmYYisHK0

— Jason Paris (@JasonCParis) January 31, 2017

Fire crew on the scene of the fire.

Emergency services were called at 7.50 this morning. The truck was carrying wood.

Police said earlier traffic was at a standstill, and stop/go direction was in place.

One motorist described traffic as "bumper to bumper" and "going nowhere" north of the Puhoi turn-off.

REMINDER: Stop/Go in place #SH1 south of Warkworth for most of day. Consider SH16 or expect long delays: https://t.co/SVNedzE712 ^TP pic.twitter.com/ebNwZQGzSO

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) January 31, 2017