Long delays after crash in the Dome Valley north of Auckland
Tuesday, 1 January 2019
Revellers heading back to Auckland from the north should brace themselves for a long trip home after a crash at the Dome Valley.
A collision between a motorcycle and another vehicle has blocked half of the northbound lane of State Highway 1 between Wellsford and Warkworth.
The road is also known as the Twin Coast Discovery Highway.
The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) said earlier today motorists heading south between Wellsford and Warkworth should expect delays.
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The crash had left one person, understood to be the motorcyclist, with moderate injuries, a police spokeswoman said.
Emergency services were called to the scene about 3.55pm on Tuesday.
The injured person was being taken to North Shore Hospital.
Traffic was heavy and stop-go signs were in operation.
About 5pm, NZTA's journey planner estimated driving the 19km from Wellsford to Warkworth would take 41 minutes.
NZTA said motorists should expect their journey to take an extra 45 minutes 'or consider using State Highway 16 south from Wellsford'.
UPDATE 4:25PM - ALLOW EXTRA TIME:
Long delays are occurring southbound through Warkworth currently. Allow an extra 45 minutes for your journey or consider using #SH16 south from Wellsford. ^TP
— NZTA Akld & Nthlnd (@NZTAAkl) January 1, 2019
The Dome Valley is a hot spot for crashes.
In December the Government announced it would put aside $36.2m to upgrade the dangerous stretch of State Highway 1 between Wellsford and Warkworth.
Rodney-based NZ First list MP Jenny Marcroft said at the time of the announcement that the road 'was not built with the current levels of traffic in mind and it is great to see that it has been identified as one of the top priorities for investment and improvement'.