Traffic on State Highway 1 north of Wellington ground to a standstill for hours on Friday after a serious crash, reportedly between a car and a van.

Motorists heading south are being urged to expect delays and avoid travel.

Motorists heading south are being urged to expect delays and avoid travel.

Traffic on State Highway 1 north of Wellington ground to a standstill for hours on Friday after a serious crash, reportedly between a car and a van.

Drivers were trapped for hours on the motorway between Tawa and Churton Park last night.

Some stranded drivers abandoned cars and walked across SH1.

Emergency services are responding to a two-vehicle crash near Vinegar Hill Rd.