Road closed off in Mangere, South Auckland, after digger ruptures gas main

Emergency services have closed off part of a busy road in Mangere, South Auckland, after a gas main ruptured.

The NZ Transport Agency said just before 3.30pm Kirkbride Rd, between State Highway 20A and Ascot Rd, would be cordoned off.

The Fire Service were also at the scene.

A northern fire communications spokesman said a gas main had been ruptured by an excavator.

A Vector spokeswoman said the gas was blocked off and repairs were now underway.

She said no households or businesses were affected by the rupture.

The energy company does not measure the amount of gas escape which took place in the incident.

There are heavy road works in the immediate area, which have been ongoing for several months as part of the SH20A to airport project.

Motorists were warned to avoid the area and find an alternative road.

Due to a Gas Main Issue emergency services have CLOSED a section of Kirkbride Rd between SH20A & Ascot Rd. Please avoid this area ^TP pic.twitter.com/3UgpOvw0ew

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) February 13, 2017