Traffic chaos: 'Major' delays on Auckland's Southern Motorway

Motorists have been warned of "major delays" on Auckland's Southern Motorway after a crash involving two trucks.

And elsewhere on the network, traffic is being considerably slowed after a breakdown and another unrelated lane blockage.

As people start to head away from the CBD at the end of their working week, and ahead of the long weekend, police and NZTA have issued warnings about gridlock that will only get worse as a busy few hours of traffic awaits.

The crash happened near the Massey Road off-ramp.

The incident was reported to Police around 1.45pm and involves two trucks in the southbound lanes.

UPDATE 2:20PM
The right lane will remain BLOCKED for some time this afternoon to allow for a complex vehicle recovery. Expect up to 15-minute delays in both directions on #SH20. Consider delaying your journey or using an alternative route. ^LB https://t.co/HlA6M0ArsK

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) September 23, 2022

There are no reports of injuries.

But police said "motorists are advised to avoid the area due to significant congestion".

NZTA added: "The right lane will remain BLOCKED for some time this afternoon to allow for a complex vehicle recovery.

"Expect up to 15-minute delays in both directions on #SH20. Consider delaying your journey or using an alternative route."

Elsewhere on the Southern Motorway, a breakdown is blocking the right southbound lane on after East Tamaki Rd off-ramp.

NZTA says motorists should "expect delays" in the area.

UPDATE 5:30PM
This breakdown has now been towed CLEAR. Continue to expect up to 35-minute delays southbound on #SH1 as traffic is expected to remain heavy this evening. ^LB https://t.co/RQ9yJOvMxN

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) September 23, 2022

Traffic would be "heavy" in the area.

And further south at Takanini, a breakdown initially led to the closure of one southbound lane.

While that has now been cleared, NZTA says the incident would lead to delays of around 35 minutes.

UPDATE 5:30PM
This breakdown has now been towed CLEAR. Continue to expect up to 35-minute delays southbound on #SH1 as traffic is expected to remain heavy this evening. ^LB https://t.co/RQ9yJOvMxN

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) September 23, 2022