A ute and a train collided in Takanini this morning.

A police spokesperson said the crash happened on Taka St, between Takanini Rd and Cathay Lane, leaving the ute driver with moderate injuries.

The crash is likely to cause major traffic disruption and Auckland Transport is asking people to avoid the area.

Due to an incident Taka St (Takanini) is closed btwn Grt Sth Rd & Takanini School Rd. Takanini Rd is also closed. Please avoid the area ^LC pic.twitter.com/ywp1IdY1HB

— Auckland Transport (@AklTransport) October 16, 2017

Takanini man Patrick Whiteman was driving behind the blue ute when he watched it weave in between the barrier arms which had lowered.

The ute didn't make it through in time with the rear of the vehicle being struck by the train as it went past.

Whiteman said the driver's view would have been hampered slightly by the sun, however he knew the barrier arms were down as he had tried to negotiate them, without success.

The man was seen on the ground getting help from St John Ambulance staff.

The crash had caused chaos in the area as the road was closed.

Train passenger Maxine Clayton said the train was approaching the Takanini train station when the train suddenly slowed at the level crossing and the driver blasted his horn.

"We came to a sudden stop and looked out to our left to see a blue ute stopped at a strange angle by crossing. Members of the public gathered around a man on the ground and called emergency services. An elderly man with a head injury was seen climbing into the back of an ambulance," she said.

The train manager had since been through the carriages and told passengers there would be a further delay of about 15 minutes.