Traffic was at a standstill heading over Auckland's Harbour Bridge following a crash. Photo / Supplied
Traffic is finally back to normal after a smash on the Auckland Harbour Bridge and breakdown in a nearby tunnel left the city's busiest motorway near gridlock.
The crash, which involved a car, bus and truck, and the breakdown left northbound lanes blocked on both sides of the bridge and queues stretching back for kilometres.
Motorists heading north were warned to steer clear of the bridge as all lanes ground to a halt.
However, the queues are now cleared.
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Earlier, two out of three lanes heading north were blocked for an hour after the smash, which injured one person.
A motorist caught in the jam told the Herald she had barely moved in an hour.
"Stuck between tunnel and harbour bridge, have moved about 200m in 50min! At least it's a nice day," said Katie Palmer.
The New Zealand Transport Agency recommended drivers use the Northwestern and Upper Harbour Motorways or delay travel.
An agency spokeswoman said the bridge barrier machine opened an extra lane northbound.
The 19-year-old disappeared without her wallet or mobile phone.