Traffic delays in Auckland and Wellington due to crash and high volumes of traffic

Emergency services are responding to the crash, which has left a northbound lane blocked. Photo / NZME

Crashes and heavy holiday traffic have caused headaches for road commuters this afternoon.

A crash on Auckland’s Southern Motorway blocked a northbound lane after the Hill Rd on-ramp, causing delays for motorists.

A Hato Hone St John spokesperson confirmed they were notified of an incident on the Southern Motorway shortly after 1.30pm.

Two ambulances responded to the crash. There were no details on the status of the patients.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has now said the crash is clear but to expect delays as traffic volumes are high during the peak-hour rush.

SH1 SOUTHERN MWY - 1:50PM
A crash on #SH1 is blocking the left northbound lane after Hill Rd on-ramp. Pass with care and expect delays. ^CO pic.twitter.com/CakDAj7Grx

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) December 22, 2022

Another crash in Auckland, this time on SH20, caused disruptions this afternoon.

The crash on the left southbound lane just past the link to SH20A caused major delays about 2.50pm.

This crash has since been cleared but Waka Kotahi is advising that delays are still possible due to high traffic volumes.

Further south, holiday traffic chaos has begun in the capital.

Waka Kotahi is advising that SH1 southbound between Peka Peka and Otaki is suffering from major congestion following higher-than-usual traffic volumes.

They are asking motorists to please expect delays of up to 45 minutes in this area.

The northbound lanes of SH1 between Peka Peka and Otaki are experiencing similar congestion and motorists are advised to expect similar delays.