Motorists are facing major delays on State Highway 1 this morning due to two separate crashes affecting southbound traffic.
The first crash occurred just after the Tram Road onramp, blocking the southbound lanes and causing significant congestion.
A police spokeswoman said police were alerted to a crash involving five cars on the Northern Motorway (southbound) at 6.40am.
The road was blocked and towing was required for at least three of the cars involved.
A St John spokeswoman said they responded with two ambulances and a rapid response vehicle.
One person was assessed at the scene.
One of the ambulances attended a second crash near by at 6.58am and transported a patient to Christchurch Hospital in a moderate condition.
The second crash happened on SH1 Kainga, near the Main North Road offramp, with the right southbound lane blocked.
Motorists told chrislynchmedia.com that traffic is backed up as far as Rangiora.
Drivers are advised to expect delays and plan alternative routes if possible.
Emergency services are on-site working to clear the scenes.
