Monday traffic: Crashes and a car fire cause early delays on Auckland motorways

A car fire is causing delays just after the Silverdale interchange on the Northwestern Motorway this morning. Image / NZTA

Two crashes and a car fire are causing delays on Auckland's motorway network this morning.

Huge plumes of smoke could be seen in Silverdale where a car caught fire on the Northern Motorway just after 7am.

There was reduced visibility and motorists were warned to take extra care while passing the incident - which was affecting both directions of the motorway.

SH1 NORTHERN MWY, SOUTHBOUND - 7:10AM
A car fire is causing delays in both directions just after the Silverdale Interchange. Take extra care in the area due to reduced visibility.Emergency services are en route. ^MF pic.twitter.com/cTISR7Lgva

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) September 8, 2019

By 8.20am, the fire had been extinguished and all lanes had been cleared as towing services were being organised to remove the vehicle.

A Northern Fire Communications spokesman said one fire truck remained at the scene by that time. It is understood no one was injured.

Road authorities said despite lanes being cleared, motorists should expect delays as congestion starts to ease.

Just after 6.30am emergency crews were called to the Southern Motorway near the Hillsborough Rd on-ramp.

Traffic cameras showed two vehicles blocking the far right southbound lane. At least one person could be seen standing outside one of the vehicles.

The area was cleared by 7am, but people are being told: "Be prepared for some delays.''

NZTA asked motorists to pass the scene with care.

Police and emergency staff were also called to an earlier collision on the Upper Harbour Highway, eastbound, near the Tauhinu Rd off-ramp.

The crash happened about 6.15am and had been cleared by 6.30am.

FINAL UPDATE 6:30AM
The crash near Tauhinu Rd off-ramp has been CLEARED. ^MF https://t.co/UazOa6QH6w

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) September 8, 2019

However, drivers in the area were told to expect some delays as a result.