The NZ Transport Agency asks motorists to plan ahead and be prepared for delays as the rail crossing on SH1-Kahikatea Drive in Hamilton will be closed to traffic 11-13 August for an upgrade.
The closure will start around 1am on Saturday 11 August and the road will reopen once the work is complete, which will be by 4.30am on Monday 13 August.
Transport Agency Waikato Systems Manager Karen Boyt says this upgrade will see a new, more durable concrete slab added to the crossing which will make it smoother for vehicles.
“While we have the highway closed for the new slab to be installed, we’re taking the opportunity to also add emergency escape bays for vehicles trapped by lowering barrier arms and we’re upgrading the pedestrian/cycle crossings with improved safety warnings, says Ms Boyt.
Detour routes around the closure will be in place, as well as suggested alternative routes for drivers coming in to Hamilton on SH1 and SH3.
“We expect increased traffic on the detour and alternative routes over the weekend and ask drivers to allow extra time for their journeys,” Ms Boyt says.
Access to business and properties will be maintained at all times but this will be from either side of the rail crossing. Pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to use the crossing and the Western Rail Trail. The Orbiter bus service will be affected, using an alternative route of Killarney Road, Queens Ave Lake Road and Ruakiwi Road.
The NZ Transport Agency would like to thank motorists for their patience while we carry out this important upgrade work.
More information about the closure, including a map of the detour routes, is available from www.nzta.govt.nz/kdrive(external link)
Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)
Website: nzta.govt.nz/traffic(external link)
Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz(external link)
