One person has died after a three-car crash that blocked the main route to Auckland Airport this morning.

Meanwhile, traffic is gridlocked on Auckland’s Southern Motorway after the road deteriorated overnight.

Police are this morning urging people hoping to catch flights or make it to work to allow extra time after the crash completely closed George Bolt Memorial Drive, a key airport route, for a period.

The road has since reopened, but there are still warnings of major delays in the area.

The crash was reported about 4am and happened near the intersection with Tom Pearce Drive.

A spokesperson for Auckland Airport confirmed one person had died in the crash. A police spokesperson said another was seriously injured.

The road was completely blocked, but a lane was reopened at 8am to allow some traffic through.

The road was fully reopened at 9am.

“Police on scene advise traffic is flowing in the area, but please continue to allow additional time to reach your destination this morning,” the police spokesperson said.

The airport spokesperson said people travelling to and from the airport should expect delays and allow extra time for their journey.

“George Bolt Memorial Drive, the main road in and out of the precinct, is impacted, and detours are in place along Te Ara Kōrako.

“Please follow the directions of emergency service and traffic management teams.”

The Serious Crash Unit is in attendance, and the police spokesperson thanked members of the public for their understanding.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) said part of Auckland’s Southern Motorway had to close after the road deteriorated last night.

According to Google Maps, traffic is gridlocked from the Ramarama off-ramp down to Beaver Rd East, approximately 9.5km.

A motorist said she saw three roadworker vehicles along the Ramarama off-ramp, and there was only one lane allowing traffic to go through.

“There are so many people affected by this right now.”

The left lane was fully closed; however, NZTA reopened the lane just after 8am. The agency said it would be reclosed later today for “more permanent” repair work.

NZTA told commuters to expect delays when travelling through and to use alternative exits.