Auckland traffic: Five injured in crash, Waterview Tunnel re-opened

Waterview tunnel is now open southbound two hours after a multiple-vehicle crash injured five people.

Waka Kotahi advised motorists at 3.30pm that a crash was causing major traffic congestion on State Highway 20.

At 5.15pm the tunnel was re-opened, Waka Kotahi said.

A Hato Hone St John spokesperson said five people were injured and two ambulances and one manager responded to the incident.

“Our crews assessed five patients, two in a serious condition who were transported to Auckland City hospital, and three in a minor condition assessed at the scene,” the spokesperson said.

Waterview tunnel has been closed southbound and cars are being diverted off the motorway. Photo / Hayden Woodward

The Herald understands the police serious crash unit is expected to investigate the scene.

A police spokesperson confirmed “several” cars were involved in the crash on the southbound stretch of the tunnel.

“Due to a crash, the Waterview Tunnel is now closed to southbound traffic.”

UPDATE 4:15PM
The Waterview Tunnel remains CLOSED to southbound traffic.
Emergency services are currently attending to a crash scene within the tunnel. Use an alternative route and expect DELAYS on the local road network in the area. The Tunnel remains OPEN to northbound traffic. https://t.co/rlC3ewIAaI pic.twitter.com/bJEqGNfLrk

— NZ Transport Agency - Auckland & Northland (@nztaaklnth) June 22, 2024

“Please use an alternative route at this time or expect delays in and around the SH16 and SH20 interchange as congestion has developed.”

Waka Kotahi confirmed at 4.15pm that emergency services were still attending to the crash scene within the tunnel.

Fire and Emergency operational support unit is assisting the NZTA traffic team to divert traffic off the motorway via the tunnel support base and onto Great North Rd.

The tunnel remains open for northbound traffic.