The crash on SH16 on Wednesday morning. Photo: Supplied / NZTA
Auckland commuters are facing major delays after a crash blocked two lanes on the Northwestern Motorway.
The crash occurred just before 6:35am just prior to the St Lukes Rd overbridge. It has now been fully cleared and all lanes reopened, but NZTA is warning of long delays.
Queues are backed up to Westgate, where Google Maps predicts a commute of 1 hour 28 to the CBD.
An earlier crash in the northbound lanes of the Southern motorway near Princes St at around 6:25am has since been cleared.
Wednesday's incidents follow a five-vehicle crash in the same area of the Northwestern motorway at around the same time on Monday morning, just as 'March madness' begins.
The crash came on the first day of an expected spike in traffic known as 'March madness', as students returned to university.
SH16 NORTHWESTERN MWY - 6:35AM
— NZ Transport Agency - Auckland & Northland (@nztaaklnth) March 4, 2025
A crash is blocking the middle eastbound lane just prior to St Lukes Rd overbridge. Merge to pass with care and expect delays until cleared. ^TP pic.twitter.com/Ig2T2TQD25
Auckland was also in the midst of rail closures.
Auckland Transport group manager of public transport operations Rachel Cara said the public transport network was ready to help ease the strain.
"We're well prepared for this increase in demand and we've been planning for it," Cara said.
"Auckland has a well connected, frequent public transport system that can handle the increased number of people that need to travel during March."
