State Highway 1 Mangaharakeke Stream Bridge north of Atiamuri village in the Waikato will be closed for six days from 2 December for urgent repairs, with traffic detoured via SH32 and SH30.
An underground stream is threatening to undermine the southern abutment of the bridge and it will need to be fully closed for an effective repair. The bridge is being inspected daily to ensure that it is safe for traffic to continue to use it.
Repairs on the Mangaharakeke Stream Bridge will begin 27 November and for short periods SH1 will be reduced to one lane while equipment is unloaded. For the safety of all road users and site workers drivers are asked to observe any temporary speed limits and be prepared to stop if required.
From 2 December the Mangaharakeke Stream Bridge will be fully closed for up to six days to allow sheet piles to be driven, protecting the abutments from further damage.
While the bridge is closed, SH1 traffic will be detoured via SH32 and SH30.
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency Acting Waikato Systems Manager Rob Campbell says drivers in the area should expect delays and take alternative routes to avoid SH1 where possible.
“The detour is expected to add approximately 20 minutes to a journey between Taupo and Tokoroa, so please allow extra time for your journey and be patient on the roads.”
Once SH1 is reopened, there will be a further four days of work, which may include further brief lane closures and potentially a period of full closure, depending on progress.
It’s possible that the repairs may take more or less time than expected, and drivers are advised to check out the traffic page(external link) on our website our social media pages or call 0800 4 Highways (0800 44 44 49) for the latest travel information.
“We appreciate how important it is to get traffic back on SH1 as soon as we can, however we are balancing this against ensuring we do the best job possible to repair the bridge,” Mr Campbell says.
“We would like to thank motorists on SH1 for their patience while we carry out this important work.”
Those travelling between Tokoroa and Turangi who may look to use SH32 and SH41 on the western side of Lake Taupo are advised that the road across the Whakamaru Dam is down to one lane with traffic lights, so expect delays.
Mercury Energy, who own the dam and the road across it, is currently undergoing their standard maintenance programme on the dam’s infrastructure until mid-December.
Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey this summer. Keep up to date with:
