Drivers warned to delay commute after person hurt in four-vehicle motorway crash

Delays on the Northwestern Motorway. Photo / via NZTA

A person is believed to have been seriously hurt in a crash on Auckland's Northwestern Motorway near Great North Road, Waterview.

Commuters were warned to avoid the area and delay travel as the three-lane motorway was down to one lane.

At 6.30pm, two lanes were open but significant delays were expected, NZTA tweetd.

UPDATE 6:30PM
Two lanes past this crash scene are now OPEN. Significant delays remain from the CBD. Please avoid this route until all lanes are open and congestion has eased. ^TPhttps://t.co/O66XXVjRaC

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) September 9, 2019

Emergency services were at the scene of the crash between Waterview and Patiki Rd, heading west on State Highway 16.

Police said they were called about 4.45pm. Initial reports suggested one person was seriously injured.

Two westbound lanes were blocked, with one lane operating, causing gridlock for cars back to inner city onramps.

Motorists were advised to avoid the area and delay travel if possible.

SH16 NORTHWESTERN MWY, NORTHBOUND - 5:40PM
Due to a serious crash SH16 has been reduced to ONE LANE north after the Gt North Rd northbound on-ramp. Please DELAY YOUR JOURNEY west from the CBD or use an alternative route until additional lanes open: https://t.co/t3PRDshFxz ^TP pic.twitter.com/hMXNxVbR7y

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) September 9, 2019

The NZ Transport Agency said a crash at about 4.50pm had been blocking two middle lanes just after the Great North Rd onramp on State Highway 16.

The speed limit in the area is 80km/h.