Auckland Harbour Bridge fully open after earlier 'significant delays'

Heavy traffic on the Northern Motorway as people head out of Auckland, on a sunny Christmas Day. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Auckland motorists experienced delays this afternoon after two incidents.

Lanes one and two southbound on the Auckland Harbour Bridge were closed for an hour because of an ongoing police incident.

Just before 1pm the NZ Transport Authority Waka Kotahi warned motorists to consider an alternative route to avoid delays.

SH1 AKL HBR BRIDGE, SOUTHBOUND - 12:55PM, SAT 25 DEC
Due to an ongoing police incident, lanes 1 & 2 are now CLOSED. Please consider an alternate route to avoid delays. ^AP pic.twitter.com/sRpuYxDuUa

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) December 24, 2021

Google Maps showed the journey over the bridge taking more than half an hour for those heading south - it normally takes about four minutes. There is also a short delay for those heading north.

Just before 2pm, Waka Kotahi confirmed the harbour bridge was now "fully open".

Elsewhere, a crash in Māngere blocked the left lane near the on-ramp to State Highway 20A.

NZTA warned people to pass with care and expect "significant delays" after the crash, which happened around 1pm.

Heavy traffic on the Northern Motorway due to incidents as people head out of Auckland, on a sunny Christmas Day. Photo / Brett Phibbs

The road was cleared around 1.20pm and motorists were thanked for their patience.

SH20 SOUTHWESTERN MWY, NORTHBOUND - CRASH - 1:05PM
Due to a crash in Mangere, the left lane is BLOCKED near the SH20A on-ramp. Please pass with care and expect significant delays. ^AP pic.twitter.com/J5qhT7WLvs

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) December 25, 2021

This morning two men were badly injured in a crash in Manukau.

The single-vehicle crash happened on Everglade Drive and was reported to police at 11.15am.

Heavy traffic on the Northern Motorway as people head out of Auckland, on a sunny Christmas Day. Photo / Brett Phibbs