Delays after truck debris blocks Southern Motorway lanes

Metal debris scattered along Auckland's southbound motorway. Photo / Bosun Paki

Metal debris scattered along Auckland's Southern Motorway near the Princes St off-ramp is causing delays to motorists.

The incident blocked traffic in the southbound lane.

Footage of the motorway shows cars and trucks travelling slowly as they try to avoid the debris blocking the southbound lanes.

NZTA is warning congestion is building quickly and urges people to avoid the area until road can be cleared.

The lanes were cleared by 2.30pm but motorists have been warned to allow extra time as traffic southbound from Greenlane slowly eased.

An NZTA spokesman said sheet metal fell from a truck just before 1.30pm. All lanes had been cleared and the metal had been pushed to the side of the motorway and workers would return tonight to collect it.

SH1 SOUTHERN MWY - DEBRIS / DELAYS - 1:40PM
A significant spillage of metal debris is blocking lanes SOUTHBOUND after the Princes St off-ramp. Congestion is building quickly. Please avoid this route until clear-up can be completed: https://t.co/ZYXAJKYJxo ^TP pic.twitter.com/2LMfi8FWwr

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) March 19, 2019

UPDATE 2:00PM
Two lanes have now been cleared & reopened with the left lane still blocked while clean-up is completed. Expect delays southbound from Ellerslie-Penrose. ^TP
https://t.co/KAqFhwCnMk

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) March 19, 2019

UPDATE 2:30PM
All lanes are now clear. Allow extra time as delays southbound from Greenlane slowly ease. ^TP
https://t.co/KAqFhwCnMk

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) March 19, 2019