Live: Auckland traffic congestion easing after crashes, but delays heading south

City traffic could be heavy this afternoon as families head away for the start of the school holidays. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Traffic congestion is easing after two crashes on Auckland's motorways were cleared, but there are still delays south of the city.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has warned drivers to be prepared for delays as traffic builds across the motorway network and Aucklanders head away on holiday.

At 5pm, crashes near the Waterview Tunnel and on the Southern Motorway had been cleared, though delays were still expected as traffic cleared.

Congestion remains heavy on the Southern Motorway heading out of the city, and on the Harbour Bridge, where two lanes remain closed.

NZTA's real-time traffic dashboard said it would take motorists 30 minutes to get from the city to Silverdale - 10 minutes longer than usual.

For those heading south, the trip between the city and Bombay was taking 51 minutes - 20 minutes longer than usual.

A serious crash took place in Auckland's Waterview Tunnel around 1.30pm. That was followed by another crash on the Southern Motorway at 3pm.

Some northbound lanes near the Waterview Tunnel are blocked as traffic backs up from the tunnel exit back to the Dominion Rd exit.

Ambulance and police teams are at the scene attending to those involved the crash and managing the flow of traffic.

One patient was taken to Auckland City Hospital in a critical condition, a St John spokeswoman said.

The service sent two ambulances and one manager to the crash after being alerted at 1.28pm, she said.

UPDATE 3:10PM
One lane remains blocked at the exit of the northbound Waterview Tunnel as a serious crash investigation takes place. Traffic is building on SH20, with delays northbound between Hillsborough and the tunnel. Delay any unnecessary travel. ^MF https://t.co/sfXoidxNwC

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) September 25, 2020

NZTA has asked motorists to avoid the area if possible.

Those who can not are asked to use the right and centre lanes through the tunnel and merge with care.

The crash on the Southern Motorway is blocking the right southbound lane just before the South Eastern Highway off-ramp.

SH1 SOUTHERN MWY, SOUTHBOUND - CRASH - 3PM
A crash is blocking the right southbound lane just prior to the South Eastern Hwy off-ramp on the Southern Mwy. Pass the scene with care & be prepared for delays as school holiday traffic starts to build. #EyesOnTheRoad #AklTraffic. ^MF pic.twitter.com/UvbGUm9Whr

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) September 25, 2020

The crashes come as peak traffic is expected to build significantly as some Auckland families look to make an early Friday afternoon getaway for the start of the school holidays.

NZTA warned motorists to expect delays and to allow extra time for journeys.

"Traffic is building around the Auckland Motorway network as school holiday traffic and #FridayTraffic sets in," NZTA tweeted. "Please allow additional time for any travel this PM peak or be prepared for delays."

AKL TRAFFIC DELAYS: Traffic is building around the Auckland Motorway network as school holiday traffic and #FridayTraffic sets in. Crashes are also causing additional delays on #SH1 and #SH20. Please allow additional time for any travel this PM peak or be prepared for delays. ^MF pic.twitter.com/u4XCw1M345

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) September 25, 2020

Police national manager for road policing Gini Welch said the larger volume of traffic on the roads for school holidays increased the chance of serious crashes.

"If you're the driver, put your phone away before you set off, and don't let people in the car distract you from what you're doing. It's your job to get everybody to your destination safely.

"Watch your speed and your following distances ... Make sure you're well rested before you set off.

"Finally, don't be complacent about wearing your seatbelt. Everybody in the car should be wearing a seatbelt or a child safety restraint."