SH1 reopens after serious crash near Wellsford

State Highway 1 is now open in both directions following a serious crash involving a caravan near Wellsford.

Motorists are advised to continue to expect delays as traffic congestion eases.

The incident happened shortly after 1pm between Wellsford and Warkworth, near Wayby Valley Rd.

A woman was seriously injured and is being airlifted to hospital, police said.

Three other people have been taken by ambulance to North Shore Hospital, one in a moderate condition and two with minor injuries.

UPDATE 3.15PM #SH1 remains CLOSED between Wayby Valley Road and Kaipara Flats Road. We hope to have the road re-opened by approx 4.15pm. For now please continue to follow the detour route or consider delaying your journey. ^MF https://t.co/6nvJiAYqxE

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) January 7, 2019

A St John spokeswoman said two ambulances and a helicopter had been sent to the scene.

The NZ Transport Agency said earlier that SH1 was closed between Wayby Valley Rd and Kaipara Flats Rd.

A queue was forming in Dome Valley earlier as traffic hit a standstill after the serious crash near Wellsford. Photo / Facebook

"Detour routes are being set up and traffic at the crash scene is being directed by emergency services. Please consider using SH16 and expect delays," it wrote then.

Northbound commuters reported then that traffic was at a standstill through the Dome Valley, and the queue was quickly growing.

UPDATE 3.15PM #SH1 remains CLOSED between Wayby Valley Road and Kaipara Flats Road. We hope to have the road re-opened by approx 4.15pm. For now please continue to follow the detour route or consider delaying your journey. ^MF https://t.co/6nvJiAYqxE

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) January 7, 2019