Waikato and Bay of Plenty state highway works for May 2023

2 June 2023 11:20 am | Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency

Mixed weather is ahead for Kings Birthday in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, and heavy traffic is expected in the usual hotspots as people head away for the long weekend.

“Bay of Plenty motorists should be prepared for heavy traffic on State Highway 2 (SH2), between Paeroa and Waihī, Tauranga and Katikati and on SH29 over the Kaimai Range,” says Roger Brady, Bay of Plenty System Manager at Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency.

“In the Waikato, delays are predicted on SH1 between Tīrau and Karāpiro, SH2 from Pokeno to Maramarua. We expect heavier than usual traffic around the Coromandel Peninsula on SH25, particularly near Tairua.”

Now it’s winter, and while it’s darker and often wet, it’s a good time to consider how the change of season can affect driving conditions by maintaining greater following distances between your vehicle and the one in front, slowing down and being prepared for unexpected hazards. This will all help ensure a safe journey. When driving long distances consider sharing time at the wheel, and ensure you take regular breaks.

We unfortunately continue to hear reports of poor behaviour from road users towards crews. This is unacceptable, crews are doing their best and do not deserve to be on the receiving end of this type of behaviour. Crews are conscious of trying to keep traffic moving whenever possible. It is important to comply with traffic management signage and any directions from crews, who are out there in varying weather conditions, doing their best and working as efficiently as possible. They too want to complete the work as soon as possible and return the road to normal operation. Waka Kotahi reminds road users to be patient when driving.

Finally, check the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner (www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz(external link)) before you leave home to ensure you have the latest information on the state highway network.

Bay of Plenty

Tauranga

Takitimu North Link Stage One: A range of construction activities will continue between Te Puna, Bethlehem and Tauriko including Cambridge Road, Harrison Road, Wairoa Road, Minden Road, Loop Road and SH2, there are a number of shoulder closures and reduced speed limits. More information.(external link)
SH2 Bay Link: From 6am Wednesday 7 June 2023, a small section of Maunganui Road, between the Bayfair roundabout and Exeter Street, will be closed until early spring, weather dependent, and a detour for people travelling locally will be in place. The new Bayfair flyover will not be impacted by this closure and will continue to provide for most traffic, including those travelling between Mount Maunganui and Tauranga Eastern Link (TEL)/Pāpāmoa or SH29A/Maungatapu. Find out more nzta.govt.nz/baylinkdetour(external link).
The work required to close the road is currently scheduled to take place on Tuesday 6 June and Wednesday 7 June 2023 (from approximately 7pm to 6am each night) and includes a lane reduction on Girven Road approaching the Bayfair roundabout and momentary rolling blocks. Nightworks are scheduled to take place on Thursday 8 June 2023, from approximately 7pm to 6am, to allow for asphalting work on Maunganui Road northbound between Exeter Street and Concord Avenue. Motorists should expect short delays from momentary rolling blocks during these hours.
Nightworks are scheduled to take place from Tuesday 6 June to Friday 9 June 2023 (from approximately 7pm to 6am each night) on Truman Lane. If this work is delayed due to weather or other unforeseen issues, it will be carried out on the next suitable night/s. During these shifts, there will be momentary rolling blocks on Truman Lane. If you are travelling while this work is underway, please drive with caution through the project site, reduce your speed and follow the directions provided on traffic management signage. A 50km/h temporary speed limit applies on Truman Lane, which lowers to 30km/h on the approach to the SH29A roundabout.
SH29 Takitimu Drive Toll Road (TDTR): A reduced speed limit of 80km/h will be in place while contractor crews are working behind the barriers.
SH2 Fifteenth Avenue: Work continues on the upgrade of the intersection at SH2/Fifteenth Avenue and Cameron Road. Work is currently focused on the southeast corner of the Fifteenth Avenue intersection. Temporary traffic management is in place with a westbound lane closure on Fifteenth Avenue, with traffic able to turn left onto Cameron Road from the centre lane, and a southbound lane closure on Cameron Road, between Fifteenth and Sixteenth Avenue. Moderate traffic delays are expected
SH2 Hewletts Road: Work continues to upgrade the existing footpath on the northern side of SH2 Hewletts Road to a shared path. Footpath widening has been completed. Until mid-June the northbound bus lane will be closed for short periods of time, Monday to Friday between 5am and 3pm to finalise signals works. Line marking of the new shared path continues between Totara Street and Aerodrome Road, with works taking place at night only. A detour for people walking and cycling will be in place. Regular traffic lanes will operate as per normal. More information(external link).
SH2 Pāpāmoa: Bridge maintenance will be conducted on SH2 Tauranga Eastern Link until mid-June, above the Domain Road interchange. Lane closures will be in place with a 50km/h temporary speed limited between 7am and 6pm. There will be at least one lane available in each direction at all times.
SH2 Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road (TELTR): For the Tauranga City Council led Pāpāmoa East Interchange construction project, a section of the TELTR, just north of the Kaituna River Bridge, is reduced to three lanes. Whilst earthworks continue on the south side of the road, both eastbound lanes are open and normal speed applies. The inner westbound lane is open whilst work continues along the outside lane - the speed limit past the work site is 70km/h. This layout will remain in place until late July 2023 with reinstatement work planned to follow. More information.(external link)
The Quayside Properties Ltd led Rangiuru Business Park Interchange project continues. Temporary barriers have been installed on both sides of the TELTR, and these will be in place until approximately October 2023, with one lane available in either direction. A temporary speed limit of 70km/h will apply through the site. More information(external link).

Western Bay of Plenty

SH2 Waihī to Ōmokoroa: Safety improvements continue at four active sites: between Tanners Point Road to Kauri Point Road, Rea Road /Tetley Road Roundabout, Lockington Road/Matahui Road intersection and Apata Station Road to Esdaile Road.
Lane shifts and intermittent stop/go traffic management will be in place throughout these worksites, which may cause some delays, however typically only one to two minutes of additional travel time will be experienced. More information(external link)
SH2 Wairoa Cycleway: Motorists are being advised the peak time congestion issues on SH2 between Ōmokoroa and Bethlehem are set to continue over the coming weeks. Between the Wairoa Bridge and Bethlehem there are two pieces of work planned or underway.
Tauranga City Council cycleway works continue off–road underneath the Wairoa bridge, further on-road work will continue in early June. This work will be completed at night with some traffic management in place during the day. The cycleway is due to be completed in July 2023.
SH2 Wairoa River Bridge: Road rehabilitation between Wairoa River Bridge and Bethlehem recommences Tuesday 6 June, with work taking place between 8pm and 5am each night until mid-June. Stop/Go traffic management and temporary speed limits in place.
SH2 Katikati: The Katikati Festival of Cultures parade will take place on Saturday June 3 from 10am. The parade starts from Jocelyn Street and travels on SH2 to the Town Hall. Road users should expect delays of up to 15 minutes.

Rotorua

SH30 Eastern Corridor Stage Two: There are multiple active worksites on SH30/Te Ngae Road between Iles Road and Ōwhata Road. In places the temporary traffic management includes lane shifts, shoulder closures, temporary pedestrian crossings, temporary signalised crossings, footpath closures, and/or reduced speed limits. There is a road closure at Tennyson Drive, as well as shoulder closures and pedestrian detours in place. Moderate traffic delays are expected. Access for local residents and businesses will be maintained at all times. More information(external link).
SH30/SH33 Te Ngae Junction: Construction of safety improvements continue on the western side of the intersection, and earthworks continue on the southeast corner of the SH30/SH33 intersection, temporary traffic management will be in place including a reduced speed limit through the site during work hours. There is a three way stop/go in place 24/7 as work continues on the new roundabout. Access for traffic will be maintained, however significant traffic delays are expected of up to 30 minutes during peak times and up to 10 minutes off-peak. People travelling to/from the north on SH33 in light vehicles are encouraged to use Hamurana Road, SH36 and/or SH5. More information(external link).
SH33 Te Ngae Junction to Paengaroa: Work on SH33, just south of Allport Road, will continue from next week while contractors work to repair slips in this area. Temporary traffic management will be in place including stop/go, lane shifts and shoulder closures while these works are underway. We expect this work to take two days. Minor traffic delays are expected. More information(external link).
SH30 Lake Rotoiti: Repairs on an underslip have now been completed. A temporary speed limit remains in place until the site can be sealed which is expected to take place in early June.
SH30 Rotomā: There are two slips between Matahi Road and SH34 Kawerau Road on SH30. Heavy commercial vehicles may travel eastbound through the site, however westbound must detour via SH34 Military Road, SH2 and SH33 back to SH30. All light vehicles can use SH30 as normal. This detour will add approximately 40 minutes to journey times. Stop/go traffic management is in place at the western slip. Road users are urged to drive with caution. Manawahe Road is currently closed until further notice due to flooding from the 18km mark through to the intersection with Matahi Road.
SH36 Mangorewa Gorge: Due to a slip on State Highway 36 Mangorewa Gorge (Tauranga Direct Road), approximately 500 metres south of the Mangorewa Track Carpark, caution is advised when driving through this area. Stop/go traffic management is currently in place with a reduced speed limit of 30km/h. A geotechnical assessment has been completed, and a timeframe to repair the slip will be confirmed in due course. The road is expected to be reduced to one lane for up to three months.
SH30 Atiamuri: The Taahunataara Stream Bridge, located between Nicholson Road and Upper Atiamuri School, will be closed from 7am Monday 12 June through to 5pm Friday 16 June, to repair subsidence at the western end of the bridge. Due to site constraints and the nature of the repair it is not possible to allow any vehicles through the site. For light vehicles there is a short local road detour via Nicholson Road, Parsons Road, and Ohakuri Road. Heavy Vehicles are required to use SH5 and SH1.

Eastern Bay of Plenty

SH2 Waioeka Gorge: An underslip at the road edge sees a section of road under priority give-way. Care is required when driving through this area.
SH2 Manganuku Bridge, Waioeka Gorge: After planned testing on the Manganuku Bridge, further investigations are required. The reduced speed limit of 30km/h for heavy vehicles will remain in place until results are determined. Heavy vehicles must adhere to the speed limit as those travelling at higher speeds will exert greater loads on the structure, which currently poses a significant risk.
SH38 Murupara: Due to an underslip north of Murupara township priority give way has been set up whilst geotechnical investigations are carried out.
SH2 Wainui to Ōpōtiki: Safety improvements between Wainui Road and Woodlands Road, Opotiki continue. This work is expected to be complete in late-2023 (weather dependent). Works consists of shoulder widening and the installation of safety barriers. During this time road users can expect to see shoulder closures and/or stop/go operations in place, as required. Works will take place between 7am and 5pm each weekday. Please allow extra time for your journey as delays up to 10 minutes may be experienced.

Tairāwhiti/Hawkes Bay

SH2 Napier to Wairoa: SH2 is now open around the clock. Over recent weeks contractors have installed guardrail, reflective cat eyes, safety poles and additional cones to make the section through Devil’s Elbow safe for 24/7 travel.
SH2 Esk River bridge: Strengthening works have now been completed however work under the bridge may require stop/go traffic management at times up to Friday 16 June. The 30km/h temporary speed limit will remain in place until work has been completed.
SH2 Gisborne to Matawai: Significant delays are expected between Gisborne and Matawai due to road rehabilitation works that are taking place between May and July. Stop/go traffic management and temporary speed limits will be in place at each worksite. Asphalt resurfacing work will commence in the same area from mid-June. More information(external link)

Manawatū-Whanganui

SH4 Upokongaro to Raetihi: As well as existing damaged sites, there are several sites along SH4 that received damage from Cyclone Gabrielle and have traffic management in place, including a number that require further investigation and designs completed prior to remedial action taking place.  
SH4 Te Oreore slip: Following a slip in 2019, a temporary road is in place at Te Oreore, with a 30km/h temporary speed limit in place. Construction of three new retaining walls north of the main slip area are ongoing.
SH4 Auraki Stream Road Retreat: Work to retreat the road away from a slip adjacent to the Mangawhero River is currently underway and is expected to be complete by August 2023, weather dependent. The main earthworks for the road are now complete and traffic has been moved onto the new road’s southbound lane. The same traffic management that is in place now past the work site will remain in place for traffic on the new road: a 30km/h temporary speed limit and stop/go. The lane of the new road that people will travel on from Thursday will be unsealed at this stage. Ongoing earthworks, pavement construction, sealing, line marking, and barrier installation work will continue after the traffic is moved onto the new road. More information(external link)
SH4 Otoko: Due to slip clearing, kerb and channel and culvert repair works, there will be multiple stop/go sites with 30km/h temporary speed restrictions in place on weekdays between 7am and 5pm. Plan your journey accordingly allowing extra time for travel.
SH4 Hawken Road Underslip: The road is down to one lane near Hawken Road while design work to fix road damage is underway. Stop/go traffic management with traffic lights is in place, delays of up to 10 minutes should be expected.
SH4 Burrell Road underslip: Work continues at the site of an existing underslip near Burrell Road south of Otoko. Crews are constructing a new 18-metre-long anchored retaining wall, and underpinning an existing concrete crib retaining wall. Traffic management will be in place during this time, with work expected to be completed by mid-June.

Waikato

East Waikato

SH25 Opoutere: An underslip has caused significant damage to the road structure. The road is open with stop/go traffic management in place. Light vehicles only (boat trailers/caravans are okay). Trucks (6-8 wheels) are expected to be able to use the road from Tuesday 6 June. Heavy vehicles must use alternative routes. Full access and completion of the slip repairs is expected later in June. More information(external link).
SH25 Moana Anu Anu Bridge, Whangamatā: The bridge (also known as Wentworth River Bridge), which is located near the intersection of Tairua and Port Roads, will be closed to all traffic from 7am to 5pm on Friday 9 June for essential maintenance work. Motorists travelling between Waihi and Tairua on SH25 will be detoured through Whangamatā during this time. The bridge will also be closed to cyclists and pedestrians throughout this work. More information(external link).
SH25A Kōpū-Hikuai: A section of road near the summit has collapsed, and the road is impassable. Detour via SH26, SH2, SH25 via the Karangahake Gorge, or SH25 via Coromandel Town. More information.(external link)

Central Waikato

SH1 Ātiamuri: Traffic continues to be managed through the 4.5km site where side and median barriers are being installed south of Ātiamuri. Both north and south-bound lanes are restricted to 50km/h with stop/go traffic management in place at times. Pavement works and barrier construction will finish in June. More information(external link).
SH41 Tokaanu: Due to a washout, the road is down to one lane under temporary traffic lights, with a 30km/h temporary speed restriction in place.

West Waikato

Mystery Creek – Field Days 2023: All roads leading to Mystery Creek will experience significant congestion between Wednesday 14 and Saturday 17 June, with significant delays towards the area in the morning, and exiting the area in the afternoon/evening. Alternative routes or travel arrangements should be considered.
SH1 Waikato Expressway - Ngāruawāhia Section: Safety improvements and remedial works require a single lane in each direction with a 50km/h temporary speed limit, until completion in May 2024. More information(external link).
SH21 Tamahere: Works associated with the intersection upgrade near Tamahere Drive are taking place until Thursday 8 June. Lane shifts and a temporary speed limit are in place. Work is expected to be complete in July. More information(external link)
SH21 Narrows Bridge: Pavement repairs on the Narrows Bridge on Airport Road will take place on Tuesday 6 June between 8pm and 6am. Stop/stop traffic management will be in place for up to 15 minutes. This work is weather dependent.
SH23 Dinsdale: Full completion of the Hamilton City Council Dinsdale Water Supply project is expected by mid-2023. More information(external link).
SH1C Hillcrest: Work at the SH1C/Cambridge Road roundabout continues with one lane available in each direction. A temporary speed limit of 30km/h is in place at all times. Cambridge Road and Johnsview Terrace are operating as left in/left out only. Additionally, until early June there will be no left turn from SH1C Cobham Drive into local Cambridge Road. Please use the Wairere Drive-Cobham Drive interchange to access local Cambridge Road and the Hillcrest shops. This work sees the intersection changed to traffic light controls, and is expected to be completed by late August 2023. More information(external link).
SH23 Raglan Deviation: Restorative work on the temporary alignment area is underway. Work is expected to be complete in early June. More information(external link).

North Waikato

SH1 Nikau Road to Pokeno: A full southbound closure will take place on Thursday 8 June, between 9.30pm and 5am, to allow maintenance activities to take place. Traffic will still be able to travel south using one of the northbound lanes.
SH1 Island Block Road to Hampton Downs: There will be a full southbound closure on Tuesday 6 June between 9pm and 5am to carry out paving works. Traffic will still be able to travel south using one of the Northbound lanes.
SH2 Monument Road to Dimmock Road: Stormwater maintenance will be carried out on Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 June between 9pm and 5am. Stop/go traffic management and a temporary speed limit will be in place.
SH2 Kopuku Road to Maramarua: Road resurfacing will take place on Monday 5 and Tuesday 6 June, between 9pm and 5am each night. Stop/go traffic management and a temporary speed limit will be in place.

Taranaki

SH43 Aukopae: Due to a wash out, there is 30km/h speed restriction in place.
SH3 Te Ara o Te Ata: Mt Messenger Bypass: Due to barrier installation and cut stabilisation works, stop/go traffic management with a 30km/h speed restriction will be in place between 7am and 5pm until Wednesday 14 June with delays of up to 15 minutes. This excludes King’s Birthday weekend, when the stop/go will finish at midday on Friday 2 June and resume at 8am on Tuesday 6 June, and the weekend of Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 June. More information(external link).
SH3 Tongapōrutu: Crews have commenced work to install a retaining wall on SH3 north of Hutiwai Road. The site will remain under stop/go traffic management until late June, when the retaining wall is complete. Following this, a temporary speed limit will remain in place until crews return to the site to complete pavement repairs later in the year when the weather is drier and warmer.
SH3 Awakino Gorge: Due to a prior slip, SH3 is open to one lane under stop/go traffic management with a 30km/h temporary speed restriction between Manganui and Awakau Roads. There will be ongoing remedial work at this site over the coming weeks.
SH3 Te Ara Tutohu Waitara to Bell Block: Due to safety improvement works, there will be stop/go traffic management with a 30km/h speed limit in place on weekdays between 7am and 5:30pm Delays of up to 10 minutes are expected.

Waka Kotahi thanks motorists for their patience while we complete this essential work to keep the state highway network safe, accessible and resilient.

Online services