Update 7 July 1:35pm:
Tomorrow’s closure (8 July) of SH1 Desert Road between Rangipo and Waiouru is not going ahead as planned.
Stop/Go is underway here today until 5pm for the removal of debris off the highway.
A new date for the closure for a truck recovery is to be advised.
SH1 between Taupō and Turangi will close on Monday 10 July for log retrieval.
The highway will be closed from 8am to 4pm between Taupō airport and Turangi with traffic diverted via SH41 and SH32.
The log retrieval is required due to a logging truck and trailer that went over the edge at Te Pōporo (Bulli Point) beside Lake Taupō on 5 July.
While the truck and trailer was successfully retrieved yesterday, Waka Kotahi contractors require an additional day to remove the remaining logs.
This updates the advisory below.
6 July 2023 4:36pm
State Highway 1 between Taupō and Turangi will reopen at 7pm tonight following the successful retrieval of a truck and trailer that went over the edge at Te Pōporo (Bulli Point) beside Lake Taupō yesterday afternoon.
The highway has been closed since 7am this morning with traffic diverted via State Highway 41 (SH41) and State Highway 32 (SH32).
Two cranes were required to recover the truck and trailer as well as some of the logs, which were loaded into a waiting logging truck. Unfortunately not all of the logs have been able to be retrieved and a further closure will be required early next week to remove the rest of them. Timing to be confirmed.
Geotech assessed the site and found cosmetic but no structural damage to the retaining wall.
SH1 Desert Road truck crash
Earlier today a produce truck crashed on the Desert Road, ending up in the ditch at Mangamate. Waka Kotahi contractors will close one lane on SH1 tomorrow to remove debris from the road. Road users should expect delays.
Saturday 8 July there will be a full closure between Rangipo and Waiouru from 8am till 4pm for the truck recovery.
Detour for northbound traffic is SH49 via Ohakune, SH4 and SH47 past Whakapapa and then using SH46 to re-join SH1 at Rangipo. The detour for southbound traffic follows the same route but in the opposite direction.
Waka Kotahi thanks road users for their patience.
