Auckland city road repairs delay long weekend traffic

Urgent motorway repairs in Auckland's city centre have blocked up traffic ahead of Queen's Birthday Weekend.

The New Zealand Transport Agency and the Automobile Association both reported at 1pm their highest category of congestion from the North Shore south, past the city centre, and on to the Southern Motorway.

NZTA spokesman Ewart Barnsley said urgent repairs near the Cook St off-ramp had narrowed the Southern Motorway to one lane, creating a long tail of congestion.

The motorway was expected to be cleared by about 2pm, and it was hoped it would not affect an expected rush of people getting away from the city this afternoon for the long weekend, Mr Barnsley said.

Until the road is cleared, motorists are advised to get off the motorway at Fanshawe St before the Cook St off-ramp.

Northbound traffic on to the Harbour Bridge has also slowed.

- NZ Herald staff