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Video / NZ Herald
Returning holidaymakers heading home are encountering traffic delays in both the North and South islands - including detours after a fatal crash in the central North Island.
One person has died and several others were injured in the crash near Hawera.
A crash meant that northbound lanes on the Auckland Harbour Bridge were reduced to just two for several hours, leading to long delays.
All lanes were reopened late afternoon.
Two multi-vehicle crashes are also slowing traffic in Waikato as many Kiwi holidaymakers return home this weekend.
Police said there are no serious injuries from either crash but they have both affected traffic and have advised motorists to expect delays.
SH1 AUCKLAND HARBOUR BRIDGE - CRASH - 2:45PM Auckland Harbour Bridge is down to two northbound lanes at a crash site near the centre of the bridge. Expect delays northbound at this time. Congestion is present northbound between SH1/SH16 Spaghetti Jct and the bridge itself. ^CS pic.twitter.com/hKeZjIK1ru
— NZ Transport Agency - Auckland & Northland (@nztaaklnth) January 5, 2025
One crash involved two cars at the intersection of State Highway 1 and Maungatautari Road and was reported to police at 11.35am.
Two crashes are slowing traffic in Waikato. Photo / George Novak
The other two-car crash was at the intersection of SH29 and Totman Rd and was reported to police at 12.40pm.
In the central North Island, SH3 is closed near Mokoia Rd following a crash.
The two-vehicle crash was reported at 5:15pm.
SH3 MOKOIA, TARANAKI - SERIOUS CRASH - 5:25PM, SUN 5 JAN A serious crash has been reported on SH3, near Mokoia Rd, southeast of Hāwera. A road closure is likely. Expect delays through the area. Be prepared to divert via an alt route. More info will be provided shortly. ^CS pic.twitter.com/BqFmrFnLTb
— NZ Transport Agency - Central North Island (@nztacni) January 5, 2025
“Diversions are in place, at Gladstone Rd in Hawera and Whakamara Rd just south of Mokoia. Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.”
Police later confirmed as well as the death, five other people were injured, two seriously, and three moderately.
The road remains closed while the Serious Crash Unit conduct a scene examination.
St John later confirmed it sent eight emergency response vehicles to the scene; including two rescue helicopters.
In Wellington region, SH1 southbound was also facing delays.
UPDATE 3:35PM SH1 is down to one southbound lane south of Kapiti Rd on-ramp, following a trailer roll. Expect delays southbound through this route as emergency services and contractors attend. https://t.co/1sUysXgRfdpic.twitter.com/SOTwBBR66x
— NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi - Wellington (@nztawgtn) January 5, 2025
NZTA said SH1 was down to one southbound lane south of the Kapiti Rd on-ramp, following a trailer roll.
“Expect delays southbound through this route as emergency services and contractors attend.”
In the South Island, SH94 near the Homer Tunnel was blocked for almost three hours after a crash.
