Motorists are being asked to avoid using the city bound link of Auckland’s Northwestern Motorway after a person died. Video \ Dean Purcell
The inner-city section of Auckland’s motorway network, where a person died, has reopened this afternoon.
Police said the closure of the affected port links routes on the Northwestern and Northern Motorways were now open to traffic.
“Police extend our condolences to the family of the person who has diednear Grafton this afternoon,” said a spokesperson.
Earlier motorists were asked to avoid using the city-bound link of Auckland’s Northwestern and Northern Motorways after a death that happened around midday.
Traffic has been stalled on Auckland's Northwestern Motorway after a death. Photo / Dean Purcell
City-bound traffic on the Northwestern Motorway backed up about 7km from Western Springs to Spaghetti Junction. Traffic was also starting to bank up at Spaghetti Junction from the Northern Motorway.
Police on an Upper Queen St motorway overbridge as they respond to today's incident. Photo / Dean Purcell
Motorists face slow journeys in the central city after a city-bound section of SH16 was closed. This screengrab shows the traffic situation at 11.55am. Image / Screengrab via Google Maps
NZTA asked motorists to delay their journeys.
A detour was now in place.
Motorists heading to the waterfront from the Northwestern Motorway were asked to use the Southern Motorway, exit at Newmarket and head north to get back to the port area.
Those travelling on State Highway 1 towards the port should exit at Fanshawe St or continue southbound and exit at Gillies Ave, then take the on-ramp immediately to head north.
UPDATE 12:05PM Due to a serious incident SH16 is currently CLOSED to eastbound road users from St Lukes to the Port. SH1 is CLOSED to eastbound road users from Southbound Link to SH16 Port Eastbound. Road users should use an alternate route. ^JP https://t.co/WXBOZYcJYrpic.twitter.com/S2f2eNYw7r
— NZ Transport Agency - Auckland & Northland (@nztaaklnth) August 22, 2025
