The crash follows a release by NZTA approximately two hours ago that the Southern Motorway had reopened after a truck carrying eggs rolled, blocking three lanes.
The crash caused chaos for Aucklanders leaving work early to escape the city for the forecast fine weekend.
The egg truck earlier rolled and then was righted. Photo / Karen Coertze
The truck ended up on its side across all three lanes of the motorway but has now been righted and towed from the scene, leaving scrambled eggs across the road.
Consider using North Western (SH16) and South Western (SH20) Motorways as an alternative route if heading south this afternoon. ^RL
— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) August 25, 2017
Traffic is already jammed on Auckland's Southern Motorway after truck crash. Photo / Alistair McNish
Alistair McNish from U-Sell Park & Sell Yard in Greenlane said a witness told him: "A car cut [the truck driver] off and the truck was about to go over the top of it so he jack-knifed and ended up on his side. His evasive action basically stopped a fatality I guess."
"The traffic can only get by on the strip down the side of the motorway, so it's four lanes down to that little orange strip."
The New Zealand Transport Agency diverted motorists off the motorway at Greenlane but the lanes are now open to traffic. However, the agency advises motorists to delay their journeys or instead use the Western Ring Route through the Waterview Tunnel. Traffic heading east should use Remuera Rd.
Traffic camera photos on the agency's website showed a huge backlog of traffic around the SH1 Greenlane interchange and Market Rd offramp.
The crash also caused delays northbound.
Southern Mwy: Rolled truck has blocked all lanes southbound after Greenlane overbridge. Avoid the area or delay your journey. ^RL
— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) August 25, 2017
The Fire Service said the truck rolled about 1pm. Police say no one is injured in the crash.
