Bomb squad closes section of southern motorway after item of interest found

NZTA said southbound lanes are closed from Fanshawe St to Symonds St. Photo / NZTA

The Defence Force's explosives disposal team was called to a section of Auckland's Southern Motorway yesterday after a item of interest was found.

A police spokesperson said at about 5.15pm they were made aware of an "item of interest" on the motorway, between North-Western to Southern Link and Symonds St on ramp.

"The New Zealand Defence Force's Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit has been notified and will attend as a precaution."

In a tweet, the NZ Transport Authority Waka Kotahi said southbound lanes had been closed from Fanshawe St to Symonds St. At 8pm Waka Kotahi said the SH1 Spaghetti Junction was cleared and congestion had eased. The Hobson on-ramp had also reopened.

SH1 SOUTHERN MWY, SOUTHBOUND - POLICE INCIDENT - 6:15PM
Due to a police incident, the southbound lanes are now CLOSED from Fanshawe St to Symond St. Please expect DELAYS & plan your journey accordingly. An update will be provided when the road status has changed. ^LZ pic.twitter.com/iBWJc3aUHf

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) December 25, 2021

In a tweet at 6.50pm, the transport agency said there were queues back to the harbour bridge.

UPDATE 6:50PM
SH1 Spaghetti Junction remains CLOSED between Fanshawe St & Symond St. Please expect DELAYS as the southbound queues are now back to Auckland Harbour Bridge. Thank you for your ongoing patience. ^LZ pic.twitter.com/UG8Z2lYyqX

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) December 25, 2021

Google Maps showed the journey over the bridge to Symonds St would take over 15 minutes.

Earlier on Christmas Day, lanes one and two southbound on the Auckland Harbour Bridge were closed for an hour because of an ongoing police incident.

Just before 1pm Waka Kotahi warned motorists to consider an alternative route to avoid delays.

Google Maps showed the journey over the bridge taking more than half an hour for those heading south - it normally takes about four minutes. There was also a short delay for those heading north.