Auckland traffic: Crash on Southern Motorway causes long delays

A driver is in a critical condition after their car crashed into a barrier and rolled into a residential property off Auckland's Southern Motorway near Otara this morning.

The passenger was also taken to hospital after crash at 4am.

It was one of two crashes earlier causing congestion on the city's motorways. One northbound lane north of the Te Irirangi Drive on-ramp was closed as the serious crash unit investigated.

No one was injured in the second crash, on southbound lanes of SH20.

Both lanes have now re-opened, with State Highway 1 back to normal by 9am.

A police spokesperson said the earlier crash happened as the vehicle was heading north on the motorway.

"Two occupants of the vehicle were taken to hospital following the crash. The driver has since been assessed as being in a critical condition."

The lane closure caused long delays for drivers between Drury and Papatoetoe.

NZTA Waka Kotahi asked commuters to seek an alternative route to work to avoid congestion.

SH1 SOUTHERN MWY - 6:15AM
Due to a serious crash, earlier this morning a northbound lane after the Te Irirangi Dr on-ramp is closed. There are LONG delays heading north between Drury & Papatoetoe. Consider an alternative route to work this morning or be prepared for delays. ^MF pic.twitter.com/PXXCXa9huj

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) April 27, 2021

The SH20 crash happened at 6.30am and partially blocked lanes.

The traffic jam appears to be around the Dominion Rd off-ramp but could have since worsened.

"Motorists should expect delays and we appreciate their cooperation as scenes are cleared," police said.

SH20 SOUTHWESTERN MWY - 6:30AM
A multi-vehicle crash, (partially blocking lanes) has slowed down southbound motorists after the Dominion Rd off-ramp. Pass the scene with care and expect some delays as Police work to CLEAR the incident. ^MF pic.twitter.com/zlVSE8i0KD

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) April 27, 2021