Southbound lanes reopen after police incident shuts down Auckland’s Southern Motorway, with motorists warned to expect delays

In an update issued at 6:40 p.m., police said all southbound lanes had reopened.

“Although the lanes have reopened, there is still a significant increase in traffic from the previous closure. Motorists should expect continued delays until the congestion clears.”

Google Maps previously showed traffic was heavily backed up and southbound return vehicles were passing Spaghetti Junction.

On the way back to Otahuhu, traffic north was very congested.

Khato Hon St John said a road accident in Penrose left one patient taken to Auckland Hospital in a critical condition.

At 4:36 p.m., five emergency vehicles responded to the scene: two ambulances, one emergency response team, one rapid response team and an operations manager.

NZTA Waka Kotahi said all lanes of SH1 between the Ellerslie-Panmure Highway and the South Eastern Highway were initially closed “due to a serious incident”.

“Emergency services are at the scene and the road is likely to remain closed for some time. People are advised to delay travel where possible or allow extra time to travel via alternative routes.

Motorists were previously asked to consider using SH16 and SH20 as an alternative route.

In a message at 5:35 p.m., Waka Kotahi said one southbound lane had reopened but “extended delays” were expected in the area.

“The southbound Ellerslie-Panmure Highway exit is also OPEN. There are long delays in this area. Please consider using SH16 and SH20 as an alternative route or postpone your trip.”

Even more to come

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