SkyCity Convention Centre fire, message to commuters: Avoid coming into the city if possible

Road closures are to remain in place until at least mid morning Wednesday around the SkyCity fire. Photo / Dean Purcell

Motorists travelling in a slow crawl into central Auckland this morning are being advised to take extra care as road closures continue and firefighters battle the SkyCity Convention Centre inferno.

In a slight reprieve for motorists, two lanes had reopened on Nelson St but Hobson St and Wellesley St West were also closed.

"Motorists are being asked to pass the scene slowly and with caution," a fire and emergency spokesman said.

The NZ Transport Agency has told motorists to expect delays and watch their distance over the Harbour Bridge and Victoria Park flyover as motorists slow to view the blaze.

SH1 NORTHERN MWY, SOUTHBOUND - 7:00AM
Please take extra care and expect delays citybound over the Harbour Bridge and Victoria Park Flyover as motorists slow to view the City Centre Fire. Watch your following distance. ^TP pic.twitter.com/0nFYObQZIN

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) October 22, 2019

Auckland Transport said as road closures continued in the central city, detours continued for buses until further notice. Bus commuters should expect significant delays and cancelled services.

For more information on the detour routes and alternative bus stops, visit: http://bit.ly/2pDclRo.

Much of Nelson St is closed - creating havoc for traffic entering the city from the busy Northwestern Motorway. Traffic maps show dozens of pinchpoints around the city at 7am.

CITY CENTRE FIRE - ROADS CLOSED - UPDATE 6:10AM
Road closures currently include: Wellesley St (west from Victoria to Nelson + btwn Nelson & Hobson), Nelson St (btwn Cook & Victoria) and Hobson St (btwn Victoria & Wellesley). Avoid this area or expect delays and diversions. ^TP pic.twitter.com/pR5B8C6LBc

— Auckland Transport (@AklTransport) October 22, 2019

More than 20 fire engines were lined up along Nelson St with ground-based firefighters using high-powered hoses to try quell the flames.

Firefighters contend with the public as a huge fire has broken out in the new SkyCity Convention Centre. Photo / Dean Purcell

AT spokesman Mark Hannan said it would be a slow journey into the city today.

"If you can avoid coming into the city, do."

People who could work from home or from a non-central location this morning, or start work later in the day, were recommended to do so.

Meanwhile, Auckland Emergency Management acting director Sarah Sinclair advised commuters to take extra care, be patient and stay out of smoke plumes.

"There will be ongoing disruption [Wednesday] morning, while roads remain closed and public transport is diverted.

"We urge people to use their common sense and not put themselves in harm's way by standing in smoke plumes or downwind of smoke."

Disruption to City bus services

NX2 to city

Buses will use Port motorway off-ramp, left Wellesley St, left Mayoral Drive, left Wakefield St, left Symonds St, left Wellesley St, with buses ending their trip on Wellesley St near AUT (7089).

22A, 22N, 22R, 221X, 223X, 24B, 24R, 24W, 243X, and 248X to city

Wellesley St as normal then left Mayoral Drive via Cook St, right Nelson St, left Wellesley St, then as normal.

82, 802, 923, and 924 to city

Fanshawe St as normal via Sturdee St, via Customs St, right Queen St, left Wakefield St then as normal.

75 to city

Wellesley St as normal, left Mayoral Drive, via Cook St, right Nelson St, left Wellesley St, then as normal.

18, 151X, 171X, 172X, 195X, and 209 to city

Queen St as normal, left Wellesley St, end trip outside The Civic.

InnerLink

Customs St as normal, via Fanshawe St, left Halsey St, right Victoria St, then as normal.

105 and 106

Buses will depart ANZ Bank bus stop as normal, left Halsey St, right Victoria St, left Franklin Rd, then as normal.

110, 125X, 129, 132, 132X, 133, 133X, and 134

Nelson St as normal, right Cook St via Mayoral Drive, left Queen St, left Mayoral Drive, end trip at Mayoral Drive near Greys Ave.

OuterLink

Wellesley St East as normal, right Queen St, left Customs St via Fanshawe St, left Halsey St, right Victoria St then as normal.