The NZ Transport Agency advises motorists that State Highway 1 north of Auckland is closed between Pūhoi and Orewa by a police incident.
State Highway 16 is the only alternative route for north-south traffic. There is no north-south access via the Hibiscus Coast Highway or east coast roads, says Auckland Transport Operations Centre Manager Rua Pani.
Motorists are advised to leave SH1 at Silverdale or Warkworth to get on to SH16. Motorists will be able to continue on SH1 north to reach the beachside communities at Orewa and Whangaparaoa and south to reach Warkworth, but there will be no through traffic.
Police are conducting a criminal investigation at the scene of the incident and it’s not yet known when SH1 will reopen.
The Transport Agency advises drivers to delay or postpone their journey.
“Our historical data for Easter holiday travel suggests traffic heading north will get heavy from 10am and be very heavy from midday, ” says Ms Pani.
“State Highway 16 is not designed for that volume of traffic so there will be congestion and delays. If your travel this morning is not essential, please delay your journey until State Highway 1 is reopened.”
“If you do have to travel, please be aware that SH16 will take longer than usual. Drivers should take extra care and allow extra time for their journey.”
The following diversions are in place:
SH1 Northbound Traffic is advised to exit at Silverdale, turn left onto Dairy Flat Hwy, right onto Kahikatea Flat road, right onto SH16 and travel north to Wellsford. Motorists can use West Coast Road to Warkworth however there are narrow bridges on this route. SH1 will remain open at Silverdale to allow access to Silverdale and Whangaparaoa however the SH1 is closed at Orewa.
SH1 Southbound. Traffic is advised to exit SH1 at SH16 Wellsford, head south to Kahikatea Flat Rd back to Silverdale or carry on south to the SH16 North Western motorway. SH1 southbound is closed at Woodcocks Rd in Warkworth detour to SH16 via West Coast Rd.
The Transport Agency apologises to motorists for the inconvenience and thanks drivers for their patience and understanding.
