Auckland's Southern Motorway was closed to southbound traffic this evening due to a police incident near Penrose. Photo / NZTA
All southbound lanes on Auckland’s Southern Motorway have now reopened after a serious police incident this afternoon that left rush hour traffic at a standstill.
But commuters are being warned of significant delays this evening as congestion subsides.
A police spokesperson said emergency services responded to an incident on the motorway near the Penrose Rd overbridge about 4.40pm.
“The motorway is blocked southbound and motorists are asked to follow the directions on motorway signage.”
In an update 6.40pm, police said all southbound lanes had now reopened.
“While the lanes have reopened, there is still significant traffic build-up following the earlier closure. Motorists should expect continued delays while the traffic build-up clears.”
Google Maps earlier showed traffic was heavily congested with southbound tailbacks snaking past Spaghetti Junction.
Northbound traffic was heavily congestedback to Ōtāhuhu.
Hato Hone St John said due to a traffic incident at Penrose, one patient had been transported to Auckland Hospital in a critical condition.
Five ambulance vehicles attended the scene at 4.36pm – two ambulances, one first response unit, one rapid response unit, and an operations manager.
NZTA Waka Kotahi said all SH1 lanes were initially closed between Ellerslie Panmure Highway and South Eastern Highway “due to a serious incident”.
“Emergency services are in attendance and the road is likely to be closed for some time. People are encouraged to delay their travel, where possible, or allow extra time for their journeys using alternative routes.
Motorists were earlier urged to consider using SH16 and SH20 as an alternative route.
In an update at 5.35pm, Waka Kotahi said one southbound lane had now reopened but “long delays” were expected in the area.
“The southbound Ellerslie Panmure Hwy on-ramp is also open. There are long delays in the area. Consider using SH16 and SH20 as an alternative route or delay your journey.”
More to come
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