Auckland motorways plagued by crashes this evening, northbound SH20 lanes blocked

A crash is blocking lanes of the Northwestern Motorway in Auckland.

Crashes on Auckland motorways have caused traffic chaos this evening, with one crash blocking all lanes of a motorway for some time.

A major crash occurred on SH20 next to the Massey off-ramp, which has shut down all northbound lanes. Emergency services rushed to the scene at around 7.20pm.

Motorists are being asked to avoid the area completely unless absolutely necessary and choose alternative routes.

UPDATE 7:55PM
All northbound lanes remain BLOCKED following the Massey Rd on-ramp. Avoid the area or expect significant DELAYS. ^CS https://t.co/0oJSAFlPZ0 pic.twitter.com/eKPivP76RH

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) May 4, 2023

Nearby, SH1 just before the Papakura off-ramp was down to just one lane due to another major crash on the northbound side.

The motorway has since reopened, and the delays have eased.

UPDATE 8:05PM
Due to a crash, SH1 is down to one northbound lane prior to the Papakura Off-ramp. Pass with care. Delays are moderate and have built back passed the Park Estate Rd overbridge. ^CS https://t.co/hUNX4WVAN5 pic.twitter.com/NBZLUxHZ4I

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) May 4, 2023

Earlier, a crash on a busy motorway and a breakdown on another caused rush-hour chaos for evening commuters.

A car had broken down on the northbound side of the Auckland Harbour bridge, blocking one lane. The breakdown has now been cleared.

SH1 - AUCKLAND HARBOUR BRIDGE, 5:30PM
A breakdown is blocking the fifth lane northbound on the Auckland Harbour Bridge. Pass with care and expect delays until cleared. ^MS pic.twitter.com/8PgMxdEmZX

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) May 4, 2023

A crash was blocking the two right-hand lanes on the eastbound side of the Northwestern Motorway. It was positioned between the Patiki Rd and Rosebank Rd exits.

The crash has since been cleared.

Waka Kotahi were advising evening commuters to pass the scene with care and expect delays.

A crash was also blocking the second lane northbound on the Mangere Bridge at 6.30pm.

SH16 NORTHWESTERN MWY - 4:45PM
A crash is blocking the two right eastbound lanes between Patiki Rd and Rosebank Rd. Merge with care to pass and expect delays until cleared. ^MS pic.twitter.com/EI30WLwVIz

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) May 4, 2023

SH20 SOUTHWESTERN MWY - 6:30PM
A crash is blocking the second lane northbound on the Mangere Bridge. Pass with care and expect delays until cleared. ^MS pic.twitter.com/idkai61dCH

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) May 4, 2023