To kick start the New Year, State Highway 3 (SH3) through the Ōhaupō Village in the Waikato will be getting a refreshing make over, with a 7-week road build taking place from Tuesday 7 January 2025.
Both lanes of SH3 on Ōhaupō Road, between Ryburn Road and Forkert Road, are being rebuilt says Andrew Oakley, Waikato System Manager at NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).
“The work involves digging down 450mm, removing the existing road surface and replacing it with new asphalt layers.
“We’re starting it during the school holidays when traffic volumes are lighter, meaning less disruption for motorists and the community,” says Mr Oakley.
The work is being done in two phases starting from the signalised pedestrian crossing to 100 metres south of Great Collins Street. This section is expected to take 3 weeks to complete.
Phase 2 of the works will be from the signalised pedestrian crossing to 50 metres north of Forkert Road. This includes drainage work and is expected to take 4 weeks to complete.
One lane will remain open for southbound traffic at all times.
Northbound light vehicles will be detoured 24/7 for duration of the works. The detour is via Ryburn Road and Forkert Road, this will add approximately 8 minutes to people’s journey.
Heavy vehicles including buses, overweight and over dimension vehicles cannot take the detour. They will be stacked and allowed through the worksite with delays of up to 30 minutes expected.
“Closing 1 direction of traffic to light vehicles means we can complete this work more safely and efficiently.
“We’re asking any residents within the worksite to get in touch if they need assistance getting in and out of their properties. While the road surface is being dug out there will be no access in and out of properties for approximately 8 days,” says Mr Oakley.
Emergency services will have access at all times through the work site.
“We understand this work and the associated closures are disruptive and inconvenient, and we appreciate everyone’s patience.
“Our state highway network is essential for moving people and goods around the country, and our work ensures the road is safe and accessible for everyone who travels on it,” says Mr Oakley.
This work forms part of the government’s $2.07 billion investment into road and drainage renewal and maintenance across 2024-27 via the State Highway Pothole Prevention fund.
