Traffic: Crashes lead to delays in Auckland this morning

Traffic was backed up for some time on Esmonde Road in Takapuna this morning. Photo / Kirsty Wynn

Several car crashes and breakdowns in and around the city delayed Auckland commuters this morning.

A breakdown on the southbound lane near the Victoria Park flyover at 7am, heading towards the Southern Motorway, just after the Harbour Bridge was cleared about 20 minutes later, but people heading that way were warned to allow for extra travel time.

Just before 8am a crash blocked the right southbound lane on the Ellerslie interchange.

The NZ Transport Agency urged drivers to find an alternative route as traffic started to build.

And a crash shortly before 8.30am on Lake Rd, Northcote, also led to long delays.

A St John spokeswoman said an ambulance had been called to the crash but no one needed treatment.

Traffic was backed up in different directions, including towards Esmonde Rd.

Then just after 8.30am, emergency crews were called to another crash on the Upper Harbour Motorway.

Two eastbound lanes were blocked for some time.

SH18 UPPER HARBOUR MWY, EASTBOUND - CRASH - 8:40AM

A crash is blocking two lanes eastbound on the Upper Harbour Bridge. Please pass with care & expect some delays ^TP pic.twitter.com/rhlovV8qj5

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) February 14, 2018