Traffic queues 15km long building on SH1 after two-car crash near Wellington

Traffic queues have reached the Plimmerton roundabout. Photo / Supplied

A 15km queue of traffic is stretching back towards Wellington following a serious two-car crash on the Kāpiti Coast.

Traffic was brought to a standstill by the crash, which has reportedly left two people injured.

The crash happened on State Highway 1 in Paekākāriki near the intersection with Beach Rd about 2.45pm.

Wellington commuters are finding themselves caught in heavy traffic caused by the crash, despite the fact the road is now open in both directions.

The road was initially closed in both directions, but the New Zealand Transport Agency said it had now reopened.

Northbound queues are stretching about 15km back to Mana and southbound queues reached the Raumati straights.

"Please delay your journey north or expect significant delays," NZTA said on Twitter.

UPDATE 3:10PM
SH1 north of Paekākāriki is open to one lane with emergency services managing traffic. Northbound queues are back to Pukerua Bay with southbound queues sitting at Mackays Crossing. Please delay your journey north or expect SIGNIFICANT DELAYS. https://t.co/cAhLEfFw9m

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Wellington (@WakaKotahiWgtn) October 6, 2020