Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has been investigating how to make State Highway 5 between Tīrau and Tārukenga safer.
State Highway 5 (SH5) between Tīrau and Tārukenga is an important route for locals and tourists, freight and agricultural vehicles travelling in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, and for those travelling further afield.
Between 2011 and 2021, 16 people died and 58 were seriously injured on this road.
The stretch of road is a high-risk highway that can be made safer.
Each crash has huge impacts on the people involved, their families, emergency services and the health sector. As well as saving lives and preventing crash trauma, safety upgrades would result in fewer crashes which would mean the highway is more efficient and can support productivity and economic growth in the region.
A feasibility study to assess the scope, cost and potential timeframes for safety improvements was completed in early 2022. We worked with mana whenua, councils and other stakeholders and their feedback helped us to identify preferred options to reduce the number of serious crashes along the highway.
The safety improvements now proposed include roundabouts at 2 intersections, a right-turn bay at Waimakariri Road and wide centre lines in some areas. No infrastructure changes are proposed for the road through Tūkorehe Reserve/Fitzgerald Glade.
These improvements will complement work already completed between Tārukenga and Ngongotahā on SH5 and at several locations along SH1 between Cambridge and Taupō.
Safety improvements will be delivered in stages over time, as funding is confirmed and detailed designs are developed for each section of the highway.
To develop a detailed design, we look at how the road is used and carry out technical investigations. To make sure we get the designs right, we also engage with our iwi partners, landowners and road users, so their feedback can be taken into consideration.
We will provide updates as this project proceeds and information becomes available.
CloseWe have been working on developing the detailed design for the 2.5km section between Whites Road and Harwoods Road.
The improvements proposed include:
Our teams have carried out site investigations and sought feedback on the proposed designs from mana whenua, potentially affected landowners, road users and the community. An engagement summary has been prepared summarising what we have heard.
SH5 Tīrau to Tārukenga safety improvements engagement summary [PDF, 2.4 MB]
We will share updates about any further progress, including funding decisions, as information becomes available.
Any questions please email waikato.projects@nzta.govt.nz
