Work to make State Highway 1 (SH1) between Piarere and Taupō safer is underway with stop/go traffic management and temporary speed restrictions in place while contractors widen the shoulder and install temporary barriers.
The first stage of safety improvements will see flexible median safety barriers and roadside safety barriers installed on the 4.5km stretch of SH1 between Maroa Road and Tram Road, south of Ātiamuri.
From 13 June, stop/go traffic management will be in place between the hours of 9am and 3pm Monday to Friday.
A 30km/h temporary speed limit will be in place between 8am and 4pm Monday to Friday, while works to widen the shoulder are carried out. This work is expected to take one week, subject to weather and any Covid related delays.
From 27 June, stop/go traffic management will be in place overnight from 7pm to 4am Monday to Friday.
A 30km/h temporary speed limit will be in place overnight from 6pm to 5am Monday to Friday, while contractors install temporary barriers. This work is expected to take one week, subject to weather and any Covid related delays.
From July, traffic management will consist of two-way controlled lanes (contraflow) with a 50km/h temporary speed limit which will be in place during the day as work continues.
As the area is remote with few alternative routes, road users are advised to plan ahead and expect delays.
This work is part of the Road to Zero strategy, which underpins the vision Waka Kotahi has of zero deaths and serious injuries on our roads. Road safety barriers help keep vehicles on the road, out of opposing lanes, and protect road users from roadside hazards like power poles and trees.
For up-to-date information on road works, traffic, detours and delays, drivers are encouraged to visit the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner website.
Waka Kotahi Journey Planner website(external link)
Waka Kotahi thanks you for your patience while we complete this essential work to make our state highways safer and more resilient.
