A crash on the northbound side of the Christchurch Northern Motorway has caused significant traffic disruption on Friday evening.

Emergency services were called to the scene around 5.20pm a police spokesman said.

NZTA said the incident occurred near the Tram Road Overbridge, where two northbound lanes were blocked. Traffic management was put in place.

Police said there were no reported injuries.

Motorists reported traffic was backed up as far as Prestons Road, with delays expected.