Heavy traffic on Southern Motorway from breakdowns hinders tow trucks' response

Motorists could be sitting in traffic for an extra 35 minutes due to several breakdowns on Auckland's Southern Motorway. Photo / Waka Kotahi

Tow trucks struggled through heavy traffic, caused by breakdowns on the Southern Motorway during the Friday rush hour ahead of a one-off long weekend.

Waka Kotahi says motorists should expect 35-minute delays travelling southbound on State Highway 1, as traffic could stay heavy into the evening.

A breakdown blocked the left southbound lane just after the Papakura off-ramp, the transport agency reported about 4pm.

Towing services were "still making their way through heavy traffic" to the breakdown at 5pm.

A separate breakdown happened on the same motorway just after the East Tamaki off-ramp, which has since been cleared.

UPDATE 5:30PM
This breakdown has now been towed CLEAR. Continue to expect up to 35-minute delays southbound on #SH1 as traffic is expected to remain heavy this evening. ^LB https://t.co/RQ9yJOvMxN

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) September 23, 2022

SH1 SOUTHERN MWY - 3:55PM
A breakdown is blocking the left southbound lane on #SH1 after Papakura off-ramp. Pass with care and expect delays. ^LB pic.twitter.com/pLmr1JmaWY

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) September 23, 2022

UPDATE 5:00PM
The left lane remains BLOCKED as tow services are still making their way through heavy traffic. Expect up to 30-minute delays southbound on #SH1. ^LB https://t.co/RQ9yJOvMxN

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) September 23, 2022

UPDATE 5:25PM
This breakdown is now clear of lanes. Continue to expect up to 35-minute delays on the Southern Mwy as a lane remains blocked after Papakura. ^LB https://t.co/8QyZ8DzMbU

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) September 23, 2022