Construction of a turnaround bay at Keeley’s Reserve on State Highway 1, east of Cambridge, is set to start the week of Monday 11 September.
The turnaround bay is the second to be built between Cambridge and Piarere this year and will provide drivers with another safe place to pull off the highway to change direction. These safe turnarounds are crucial pieces needed before additional flexible safety median barriers can be installed on this high-risk road.
Waka Kotahi Regional Manager for Infrastructure Delivery Jo Wilton says the work has been timed to avoid the busy summer period.
“The reserve will be closed for the construction period, which is expected to be up to nine weeks, weather permitting.
“We are prioritising having this turnaround completed before the busy summer months when we know the reserve will be in demand by visitors in motorhomes and people accessing the lake.”
Ms Wilton says boat users are advised to use alternative boat ramps to access Lake Karāpiro during this time, with ramps available at Karāpiro Domain, Moana Roa Recreational Reserve and Horahora Domain.
During the work, the speed limit near the reserve will reduce from 100km/h to 50km/h northbound and 70km/h southbound (Monday to Saturday from 7am-6pm). Motorists are advised to prepare for minor delays.
Construction of the Keely’s reserve turnaround bay follows the recently completed turnaround bay at the intersection of SH1 and Hydro Road.
Once completed, the right-turn out of Keeley’s Reserve onto SH1 will remain open until the turnaround at Tunakawa Road is built early next year and more flexible safety median barriers are installed at which point the right-turn out of Keeley’s Reserve will be permanently closed.
“In addition to construction we are improving the lighting, and therefore safety, of the reserve entrance, by installing a new solar-powered light. Native plants will also be added to soften the look of the turnaround and enhance the reserve environment,” says Ms Wilton.
“We want to thank all road users in advance for their patience while this work gets underway. We’ve seen the benefits from turnaround bays and we’re looking forward to having another one close by.”
For more on the project, visit our SH1 Cambridge and Piarere page.
