Northwestern Motorway reopens after crash in rush hour halted traffic in both directions

A serious crash forced the closure of Auckland's Northwestern Motorway in both directions during rush hour.

Three people were trapped after the two-vehicle crash just after 4.40pm.

A St John spokeswoman said two people with serious injuries were taken to Auckland City Hospital, while the third was in a moderate condition and had been assessed at the scene.

All west-bound lanes of the Northwestern Motorway were blocked between the Hobsonville Rd overbridge and Brigham Creek Rd.

The Serious Crash Unit attended the scene and the road was later reopened about 6.50pm.

UPDATE 5:35PM
Southbound lanes are also CLOSED between Brigham Creek Rd and Hobsonville Rd Interchange to clear northbound traffic caught at the scene. ^MF https://t.co/xsOhucbLGt

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) January 22, 2020

During the road closure, traffic was heavily congested in the area and motorists were asked by police to avoid the area if at all possible.

The crash has caused lengthy delays.