Traffic on State Highway One north of Wellington has ground to a standstill after a serious crash between a car and a van.
Motorists have reported huge delays after the southbound lane was closed between the Tawa off-ramp and Glenside on-ramp.
In a social media post update at 8.05pm NZTA said the Serious Crash Unit was undertaking an investigation, which required the road to remain closed to southbound travellers for a few more hours.
The agency advised southbound motorist to avoid travelling on SH1.
One driver has been stuck in traffic for three hours and told RNZ “people seem to be panicking and trying to drive up the shoulder”.
“They are trying to cut each other off. Seems pointless because no one is moving.”
Emergency services attended the scene where two vehicles crashed about 4.40pm.
Another person who contacted RNZ said she had watched around 20 people, including some with toddlers, walk along the motorway and crossing over the median barrier into oncoming traffic.
She criticised the lack of information from police: “As someone who unknowingly entered the onramp at Porirua at 5.15pm, with no police blocking the onramp, I have sat in my car since then.”
“An update from Police, via the media would be a relief for some, to know that it could be another hour or two before moving.”
In an earlier press release, police said one person had serious injuries from the crash.
Police advised motorists to avoid the area and expect delays.
Do you know more? Email news@rnz.co.nz