Breakdown blocks lane on the Auckland Harbour Bridge

The breakdown is blocking lane one on the Harbour Bridge. Photo / NZTA

A bus breakdown on the Harbour Bridge has caused major delays for Aucklanders heading south from the North Shore.

The bus broke down in one of the three southbound lanes on the Harbour Bridge around 4pm.

The bus was cleared from the lane around 5.35pm, NZTA said, but the traffic problems had extended as far north as Tristram Ave.

UPDATE 5.35PM
The bus breakdown has been CLEARED and all lanes have re-opened on the Akl Harbour Bridge. Continue to expect delays as congestion eases. Consider using #SH18 and #SH16. ^MF https://t.co/5UhZYBPSO3

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) March 14, 2019

Motorists were told to consider avoiding the Northern Motorway altogether and taking State Highways 18 and 16 through Greenhithe and West Auckland instead.

NZTA said there are significant delays on Esmonde Rd and Onewa Rd on-ramps as well.

Meanwhile, another breakdown on the Northern Motorway was causing problems for motorists heading north.

A breakdown is blocking the left northbound lane in the Victoria Park Tunnel.

NORTHERN MWY, NORTHBOUND - BREAKDOWN - 5.45PM
A breakdown is blocking the left northbound lane in the Victoria Park Tunnel. Please pass the incident with care and expect delays. ^MF pic.twitter.com/AQCQDxMnX9

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) March 14, 2019