Auckland motorway on-ramp closed after truck spills 22 tonnes of carpet glue

Motorway woes continue with a car fire on SH1 not far from where a container truck has rolled, spilling tonnes of carpet glue across a South Auckland highway on-ramp.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency confirmed at 11.20am a car fire near Redoubt Rd on-ramp has left two southbound lanes blocked on State Highway 1.

Traffic has come to a stop while vehicle burns fiercely at the side of the road and plumes of black smoke billow across the motorway.

The fire comes as emergency services are already busy attempting to block the drains at the motorway entrance to redirect a large glue spill.

Fire and Emergency New Zealand received a call at 7.56am about a truck rolling and spilling 22 tonnes of carpet glue across Cavendish Drive, near State Highway 20.

SH1 SOUTHERN MWY - 11:20AM
Due to a car fire on #SH1 after Redoubt Rd on-ramp the left two southbound lanes are blocked, Merge to the right and pass with care.^HJ https://t.co/a6RFMMvckS pic.twitter.com/WO1L8ySF95

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) June 6, 2023

The container at the rear of the truck could be seen flipped on its side with its wheels in the air as glue oozed on to the road.

At least a dozen people were responding to the scene, including several road workers in high-vis and police.

Puddles of glue from the truck spill onto the berm and the road. Photo / Michael Craig.

The glue spill. Photo / Michael Craig.

Waka Kotahi said the spillage clean-up at the crash site will continue for “some time today”.

Auckland Council proactive compliance manager Adrian Wilson said the pollution response team are currently on the scene investigating this incident.

“The spillage is contained at present, and our officers are carrying out further investigations to determine any impacts on the stormwater network.

”We would like to take this opportunity to remind people that anybody can report a pollution incident to the council by calling our 24/7 pollution hotline on 09 377 3107.”

Traffic is gridlocked for kilometres on the Southwestern Motorway around the scene of the glue spill.

Traffic is banking up for kilometres around the spill back past Massey Rd, Mangere. Photo / Supplied.

Waka Kotahi confirmed heavy delays are expected as westbound lanes to SH20 are closed from Massey Rd and diversions and delays on Cavendish Dr.

Police said diversions are in place and motorists are advised to avoid the area where possible.

Police confirmed there were no injuries.

A truck rolled on a South Auckland road on Wednesday morning. Photo / Michael Craig

A truck rolled on a South Auckland road on Wednesday morning. Photo / Michael Craig

UPDATE 10:35AM
Spillage clean-up at this crash site will continue for some time today. Expect southbound delays on #SH20 from Massey Rd and diversions and delays on Cavendish Dr. Avoid this area or allow extra time. ^HJ https://t.co/f9ZUlir1Lf

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) June 6, 2023