Traffic building on Auckland's Southern Motorway — motorists urged to expect delays

Motorists heading south on Auckland's motorways this evening are being told to expect delays following an earlier break-down.

The NZ Transport Agency reported a vehicle was partially blocking one of the south-bound lanes on the Southern Motorway, just before the Hill Rd off-ramp, about 4.30pm.

The break-down had since been cleared by about 5pm, but those heading home that way were in for delays.

It comes as authorities gear up for possible delays later this evening, as the Warriors take on the Melbourne Storm at tonight's NRL match.

The break-down followed an earlier issue on State Highway 1, in Kawakawa.

The road was reduced to one lane, with a stop-go operation in place, just after 4pm following slips and flash-flooding in the area.

"Please drive with care & expect delays in area,'' the NZTA said.

Meanwhile, north-bound traffic is also heavy in some parts of the city.

NZTA reported heavy congestion between Spaghetti Junction and the Upper Harbour Highway and traffic was also building from Oteha Valley Rd.

City-bound, there was heavy traffic through Greville Rd and also heavy between Tristram Ave and the Harbour Bridge.