There will be significant traffic delays for Auckland commuters on Tuesday evening following a 'police incident' on a major motorway.
The incident, which has now been cleared, caused the lanes in both directions on State Highway 20 to be blocked near the Walmsley Rd overbridge in Māngere, south-west Auckland just after 4pm.
A detour had earlier been set up via the Walmsley Rd off-ramp then back on at the on-ramp, with motorists urged to follow the direction of emergency services on-site.
Police say the incident involved "concerns for a person's wellbeing".
"As a result, lanes in both directions of the Southwestern Motorway will be closed near the overbridge," a spokesperson said.
"Motorists travelling in the area are advised to take an alternative route before Walmsley Road if at all possible. Delays are expected this evening."
Waka Kotahi NZTA has warned motorists travelling along SH20 that while the lanes are now open, they should "be prepared for long delays" before congestion eases.
Google Maps shows traffic between Mt Roskill and Manukau City Centre is very slow. At 5pm, it said travelling the 20km between the two suburbs on SH20 would likely take at least 45 minutes.
