Three crashes and a breakdown slow Auckland motorway traffic

The Symonds St off-ramp was closed just after 6am today because of a serious crash. Photo / File

Many Auckland motorists have had a slower-than-usual journey into the city this morning after three crashes and a truck breakdown on the motorways.

The morning chaos began with a serious one-vehicle crash which closed the Symonds St off-ramp on Auckland's Southern Motorway just after 6am.

A woman was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Motorists were advised to use the Wellesley St off-ramp, and told to expect delays in the area. The off-ramp was reopened at about 7am.

Then just before 7am two vehicles crashed after the Onewa off-ramp on Auckland's Northern Motorway.

A man received minor injuries, a police spokeswoman said.

Oil and water were spilled on the road but no lanes were closed.

After 7am, a truck broke down on the Auckland Harbour Bridge blocking the right lane of northbound traffic.

It was cleared at about 8.30am but motorists are advised to expect long delays as congestion eases.

Update: Truck breakdown N-Bnd on Auckland Harbour Bridge is now clear. Expect long delays as congestion eases ^LC pic.twitter.com/S0RScO6Doz

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) May 23, 2016

Soon after it was cleared, a crash partially blocked the left lane northbound on the Mangere Bridge of the Southwestern Motorway.

A police spokeswoman said it was a five-car nose-to-tail crash. No one was injured. Motorists are advised to expect delays and take extra care.