Traffic chaos: Gridlock on Auckland motorway after crashes

Motorists face delays on the Southern Motorway after a crash earlier blocked a lane. Photo / NZTA

Traffic is at a standstill both northbound and southbound on sections of Auckland's Southern Motorway after crashes this afternoon.

The right hand lane of the motorway was blocked due to a crash around 1pm near the Tecoma St off-ramp.

While the lane has now been reopened, traffic is backlogged.

FINAL UPDATE 1:50PM
The road is now fully CLEAR, following a prior crash on SH1 near Tecoma St off-ramp. Thank you for passing carefully, please be patient while regular traffic flow resumes. ^AP https://t.co/W6Wk5kidzS

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) May 15, 2021

One motorist told the Herald the motorway resembled a "carpark".

NZTA has urged motorists to "be patient while regular traffic resumes."

Meanwhile, delays are also in order for many northbound motorists after a crash near the Khyber Pass offramp.

The centre lane is closed.

SH1 SOUTHERN MWY, NORTHBOUND - CRASH - 2:05PM
The centre lane is BLOCKED, due to a crash prior to Khybar Pass Rd off-ramp. Please pass with care and expect delays. ^AP pic.twitter.com/FboiuUy2bn

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) May 15, 2021