UPDATE 9.20am: All lanes are now open on SH29A Maungatapu Bridge following an earlier crash.

Motorists are still being urged to prepare for delays while traffic clears.

"Allow extra time for journeys in the area during peak period this morning," says a Waka Kotahi NZTA spokesperson.

EARLIER 8.15am: Traffic on Maungatapu Bridge is building up and currently down to one lane following a motor vehicle accident.

"Due to a two car crash on the Maungatapu Bridge, SH29A is currently down to one lane," says a Tauranga City Council spokesperson.

"Traffic is heavily congested in that area and motorists should expect delays.

"Emergency services are currently on the scene."

A caller to 0800 SUNLIVE hotline says the westbound traffic towards Baypark is "pretty well backed up".

According to Google Maps, traffic is moving slowly on both lanes in the area.

Image: Google Maps.