The burned wreckage of the truck that burst into flames on Auckland's southern motorway on Wednesday. Photo: RNZ / Felix Walton
Northbound traffic on Auckland's Southern Motorway will be closed again overnight on Wednesday after a truck fire damaged the road.
Earlier on Wednesday, exploding gas cannisters on a truck that caught fire closed part of Auckland's southern motorway.
The motorway was blocked and nearby properties were evacuated as a precaution. The road reopened about 9.40am.
But Waka Kotahi said another full northbound closure would be in place from Papakura to Takanini from 7pm until 5am.
"While we appreciate this is an early closure and will affect motorists travelling home this evening, the extent of damage means we need to start as early as possible to avoid disrupting peak hour traffic tomorrow morning."
Expect a few closures across Auckland's motorway network tonight, including #SH1 Silverdale to Puhoi (both directions) & #SH16 St Lukes Rd to SH1/SH16 links (eastbound). Check our website: https://t.co/tV9ayPtqMT to plan your late-night journey. ^CO pic.twitter.com/fPxaHiaqFI
— Waka Kotahi NZTA Auckland & Northland (@WakaKotahiAkNth) March 8, 2023
The transport agency said it would be using the time to clear the truck remains and repair the road.
"Waka Kotahi strongly encourages motorists to avoid travel in this area if they can. If you need to travel, please follow the detour routes and allow plenty of extra travel time."
A detour will be available via Beach Road and Great South Road.
Flames and smoke shoot into the sky from the truck carrying canisters of highly flammable gas. Photo: Supplied / Claudia Harris
Twelve fire trucks were at the scene at the peak of the blaze on Wednesday morning. Truck operator Chemcouriers - a Mainfreight company - said it did not yet know why the vehicle caught fire.
Nearby resident Sam Durbin spent about three hours out of his home and said the experience was one he would not forget in a hurry.
"There was lots of popping and projectiles being thrown into the air along with massive amounts of smoke."
Air New Zealand had to delay up to 10 flights by about 45 minutes each because staff were stuck in the traffic, the airline said.
