The NZ Transport Agency advises motorists of a revised plan for night time closures on State Highway 1 south of Whangarei to repair and resurface the three Mata Bridges. The start of works has been cancelled again tonight because of bad weather.
All going well, the work requires four nights of closures on SH 1 between Oakleigh and Ruakaka. But the forecast is for continued unsettled weather, so the new plan is to start on the two bridges closest to Ruakaka on Sunday 25 March and Monday 26 March, says the Transport Agency’s System Manager Steve Mutton.
“These bridges are the highest priority and we might not be able to get more than a couple of nights of work completed. If there are more weather disruptions we’ll have to wait until after Easter.”
“We’ll plan to get the job done, but it is weather dependent so may be postponed at short notice.”
The Transport Agency thanks motorists for their patience and understanding. They’re advised to check the latest highway information on the Transport Agency’s website or social media sites.
The Sunday and Monday night detour 9pm – 5am when SH1 will be closed
The detour for northbound traffic will start at State Highway 12 to Paparoa and follow Paparoa - Oakleigh Road, Paparoa Road and Mangapai Road before re-joining SH1 north. Southbound traffic will travel the same route in reverse.
The detour will add an additional twenty kilometres to journeys between Brynderwyn and Whangarei.
The detour is not suitable for HPMVs which will need to park and wait at the closure point.
Northbound traffic heading to Ruakaka and other destinations south of the closure point will be allowed to continue on State Highway 1.
Work on the most northern of the three bridges is scheduled for Tuesday night 27 March. There will be stop/go traffic management in place from 7pm – 9pm and a full road closure from 9pm – 5am.
The detour for northbound traffic is via Salmon Road and Springfield Road and back on to State Highway 1. Southbound traffic will travel the same route in reverse.
This detour is also not suitable for HPMVs which will need to park and wait at the closure point.
The Tuesday night detour 9pm - 5am when SH1 will be closed
The final resurfacing is scheduled for the night of Wednesday 28 March. There will be stop/go traffic management from 7pm – 9pm and a full road closure from 9pm – 5am.There are two options for motorists during the full road closure. Option one is to use the detour via SH12 above.
Option two is to continue on State Highway 1 and park and wait at the closure point instead of using the detour.
Delays of at least an hour and a half can be expected with traffic being let through the area between resurfacing works where possible.
The Transport Agency urges motorists to allow extra time for their journey or reschedule it to avoid the closures.
“Please follow the directions of the road crews, keep to the speed limits, and take extra care on the detour route which may be unfamiliar to regular travellers in the region,” says Mr Mutton.
