Auckland's Southern Motorway clear after truck crash this morning

The crash blocked three lanes. Photo / NZTA

All lanes are open on Auckland's Southern Motorway after a large truck jack-knifed.

The stricken truck was left straddling three lanes of the motorway, leaving the key route south impassable for around 15 minutes.

The NZ Transport Agency warned motorists the jack-knifed truck was creating long delays.

Queues had banked up for nine kilometres to Manukau.

Southern Mwy: #Crash blocking all 3 lanes southbound on Takanini Straight. Avoid this route or expect #LongDelays ^TP pic.twitter.com/MFEGEZfSQk

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) October 26, 2017

Police diverted motorists off at Hill Rd.

Drivers heading out of the city were told to avoid the motorway until the crash was cleared.

Police said the truck was shifted off the motorway about 15 minutes after it lost control and traffic was flowing again.

NZTA said even though the truck was cleared traffic was now heavy between Takanini and Manukau heading south.

It warned motorists to expect delays.