Major delays on Auckland’s Southern Motorway after three-vehicle crash closes two lanes

Traffic has backed up on Auckland’s Southern Motorway (SH1) this afternoon after a vehicle reportedly rolled on its roof.

Two southbound lanes between Ellerslie Panmure Hwy and Mt Wellington Hwy were earlier blocked for more than an hour as a result of the crash.

A police spokesperson said three vehicles were involved in a crash about 3.30pm.

All but one southbound lane was closed and police encouraged motorists to delay their journeys home or find an alternate route.

A northbound commuter told the Herald he initially thought the traffic was normal until he looked over and saw a vehicle on its roof.

A car lies on its roof on the southbound lanes of SH1 near Penrose. Photo / Kieron Henare

Two southbound lanes between Ellerslie Panmure Hwy and Mt Wellington Hwy were earlier blocked for more than an hour as a result of the crash. Photo / Kieron Henare

“The car was [upside down] and people standing around were on their phones. Then more emergency services arrived pretty much as I went by, after they had got through the traffic.

“I saw a few more emergency vehicles further back down the motorway trying to get through traffic as well ... I didn’t see anyone in massive panic or distress,” he said.

All lanes reopened shortly before 5pm, with delays expected to endure.

Hato Hone St John responded to the incident with one ambulance and two rapid-response vehicles.

“Two patients were treated and transported to Auckland Hospital – one in a serious condition and one in a moderate condition,” a spokesperson said.

Traffic backed up to Spaghetti Junction after the three-vehicle crash near Penrose. Photo / Google

Shortly after 4pm, traffic had backed up to Spaghetti Junction, almost 10 kilometres from the crash site.

The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) advised commuters to expect delays and “pass with extra care”.

At 4pm, NZTA estimated it would take commuters two hours to drive from Auckland City to Bombay via SH1, almost four times longer than if traffic was free-flowing.

UPDATE - 4:50PM
This crash has been moved clear of lanes. All lanes are OPEN on #SH1 between Ellerslie Panmure Hwy and Mt Wellington Hwy. Allow extra time for delays in the area to ease. ^JF https://t.co/cXRP8XUhYU

— NZ Transport Agency - Auckland & Northland (@nztaaklnth) June 18, 2024