Auckland motorway traffic 'free flowing' after peak-hour long weekend congestion clears

Auckland motorways are now all "free flowing" after earlier peak hour congestion led to heavy delays heading outbound on State Highway 1.

At 7pm tonight NZTA real time traffic update had all Auckland's motorways clear of congestion, but it was not the case earlier in the afternoon with five major traffic choke points between Hamilton up to just north of Whangarei along SH1.

NZTA still expected heavy traffic delays on SH1 until 8pm near Takanini heading south out of Auckland.

One motorist travelling into Auckland CBD just after 3pm today described the traffic congestion as "terrible" and reported it taking over 30 minutes to make the 8km drive south over the Auckland Harbour Bridge from Takapuna.

However, long weekend holiday makers returning to Auckland on Sunday and Monday are advised to check NZTA's overnight motorway roadwork closures planned across the city next week.

The closures start at 9pm each night and finish at 5am, from June 2 to 8, and affect most of Auckland's motorways.

PLAN AHEAD: Check details of Auckland's overnight motorway roadwork closures planned for next week (Sun-Sat, 02-08 Jun) here: https://t.co/FJ9POvgHCt and plan your late night journey in advance. ^TP pic.twitter.com/sSMX8ZBZlf

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) May 31, 2019

Elsewhere in the North Island, State Highway 25 was closed after a fatal crash in the Coromandel between Hikuai and Tairua shortly after midday.

At 7:30pm tonight NZTA Tweeted to say SH25 was now open.

FINAL UPDATE 7.30PM #SH25 has FULLY OPENED between Hikuai & Tairu following a serious crash. Thank you for your patience this afternoon. Travel safe. ^MF https://t.co/8jVvvQo5D4

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Waikato/BoP (@WakaKotahiWaiBP) May 31, 2019

In Christchurch flooding has closed Main North Rd, between the Christchurch Northern Motorway and Marshland Rd, until 9pm tonight.

Christchurch's Northern Motorway (SH1) which connects to Main North Rd remains open with no issues, but motorists are still advised to avoid the area.

Motorists can plan their drive tonight with the assistance of the NZTA's holiday journey online page which offers trip tips and traffic congestion time projections.

BE PREPARED: We are expecting congestion to occur on #SH1 both north & south of #Akl today (Fri 31 May) as holidaymakers head away for the long weekend. Check: https://t.co/tMhQ28qKDP to get tips relevant to your trip & enjoy a hassle-free drive to your destination. ^MF pic.twitter.com/SWMkb9hTee

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) May 31, 2019

UPDATE - 5:445 PM
The road will be closed from 9 pm this evening. Road users should avoid this road in the meantime.^SM https://t.co/sIueTPVrsR

— TFC (@TransportChCh) May 31, 2019