Car fire on Auckland’s Northern Motorway causes major delays for northbound traffic

A vehicle has burst into flames on Auckland’s Northern Motorway, temporarily blocking lanes heading out of the city.

The northbound stretch of State Highway 1 near Moir Hill Rd became blocked around 12.40pm “due to a vehicle being on fire”, police said.

“This was just north of Puhoi and there was some disruption to traffic while services worked at the scene.”

Police assisted Fire and Emergency New Zealand in responding to the incident, keeping one northbound lane open for motorists to use.

There were no indications of injuries, police said.

Google Traffic data showed heavy congestion building north of Puhoi, which has since cleared.

The car fire temporarily blocked northbound traffic on Auckland's Northern Motorway near Moir Hill Rd. Photo / Sylvie Whinray

Drivers were advised by police to delay travel or consider alternative routes to avoid the traffic build-up.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) also urged motorists to allow extra time for delays.

“Due to a car fire, one lane is closed. Merge to the right and pass with care,” NZTA said.

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