Ti Rakau Dr reopens after serious crash causes commuter delays

The crashes have occurred on Ti Rakau Dr, Botany Downs, and SH16 at Waimauku.

The northbound lanes of a busy central Auckland road have reopened after they were closed by a serious crash.

A police spokeswoman confirmed a car and a motorbike collided on Ti Rakau Dr, Botany Downs, about 5.50am today.

One person was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

The northbound lanes wereclosed and diversions were in place at Pakuranga Highway [Waipuna Bridge] and Pakuranga Rd.

Auckland Transport confirmed the lanes were reopened by about 8.20am.

UPDATE 8:20AM
The northbound lanes on this section of Ti Rakau Dr are now OPEN. Thank you for your patience this morning. ^TPhttps://t.co/D5bVRhsf5I

— Auckland Transport (@AklTransport) April 15, 2019

The southbound lanes remained open.

Commuters were earlier urged to allow for extra time.

ROAD CLOSED - TI RAKAU DR, PAKURANGA - 6:55AM
Due to a serious crash the northbound lanes on a section of Ti Rakau Dr, between Pakuranga Hwy and Pakuranga Rd, are CLOSED. Southbound lanes are open. Diversions are in place. Avoid this route or allow extra time. ^TP pic.twitter.com/Y20IgijZI4

— Auckland Transport (@AklTransport) April 15, 2019

Meanwhile, a minor crash on State Highway 16 west of Waimauku was also causing delays for motorists.

Northern Fire and Emergency NZ shift manager Karen Larking said the crash, between McPike Rd and Woodhill Park Rd, was only minor but was likely to disrupt the journeys of those travelling to work.

Most other highways were free flowing but traffic was heavy in areas including SH1 north and southbound.