Truck crash closes part of Northwestern Motorway at rush hour, motorists face delays

A section of Auckland’s Northwestern Motorway is closed and a person is in critical condition after a truck crashed into a barrier, bringing down a light pole across a lane.

Commuters are being warned that State Highway 16 between Brigham Creek roundabout and Hobsonville Rd overpass is now closed as a result of the crash.

NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) is telling motorists to detour around the scene and to expect delays.

Traffic is snarled in both directions.

A police statement said the truck collided with a barrier on the westbound lanes on SH16 about 8.40am, before the Brigham Creek Rd roundabout.

“The crash has left debris on opposite lanes, and traffic heading towards the city on SH16 is also being impacted.

“Police advise there are heavy delays around the Brigham Creek Road intersection.

“Please use an alternative route if at all possible.”

A crash on the North Western motorway has snarled traffic in both directions.

Cameras on the NZTA website show a street light felled by the incident, debris over the road and queues piling up behind the accident.

Fire and Emergency shift manager Michael Anderson said one person was “heavily trapped” in the tipper truck and firefighters were working to extricate them.

They sent two rescue tenders and one heavy rescue truck at 8.41am.

The crash has happened near the SH16/SH18 northern interchange.

A bystander said the truck appeared to have mounted the concrete median barrier.

He said five fire trucks, one ambulance and a rapid response vehicle were at the scene, and firefighters were working to free the driver from the cab.

The NZ Transport Agency traffic cameras' view. Photo / NZTA

They were using cutting tools on the cab’s roof to extract the person, he said.

A Hato Hone St John spokesperson said one person was taken to Auckland City Hospital.

All city-bound lanes had been closed despite the crash happening on the other side of the motorway, and traffic was backed “as far as the eye could see” in both directions.

Police and St John have been approached for comment.

According to Google Maps, traffic is backed up for about 2.5km heading into the city.

SH16 NORTHWESTERN MWY - CRASH - 9AM
Due to a crash, the right lanes are BLOCKED between Brigham Creek Rd and Hobsonville Rd. Pass with extra care and expect DELAYS. ^SG pic.twitter.com/fWR7zUoDxf

— NZ Transport Agency - Auckland & Northland (@nztaaklnth) August 21, 2025

- More to come