The State Highway 1 Desert Road closure has now been confirmed for Monday 26 March.
The road will be closed for 36 hours from 7am Monday to enable the concrete deck to be poured on the Waihohonu Stream Bridge. The bridge was damaged in a crash last year.
NZTA Waikato Transport Systems Manager, Karen Boyt, says road users should ensure they check the NZTA website or call us because the closure will still be weather permitting.
“We understand the closure of the Desert Road has a major impact on people and business and we’d like to apologise in advance for the disruption this work will cause.
“People should avoid travelling if they can or expect delays on the detour route. Our website and social media will be updated so keep an eye on those, or call us on 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) so you’re aware of what’s ahead of you,” Ms Boyt says.
Earlier scheduled closures have been delayed because of wet weather and a health and safety issue.
Another similar 36-hour closure is scheduled for late April, this will also be weather permitting.
Outside of the closure times people can expect the bridge to be down to one lane, with some short closures of around 5 minutes. There is a 30km/h limit in place.
The alternative route is State Highways 46, 47, 4, and 49. This detour is not suitable for vehicles over 46 tonnes, apart from 50MAX which is permitted.
There are also multiple maintenance work sites on the Desert Road during this period and delays are possible at other sites.
High productivity motor vehicles can use the SH3 and SH3A route between Hamilton and Bulls
Vehicles with over-weight loads or over-dimension loads wider than 3.0 metres are unable to use the Desert Road section of SH1 until the bridge repairs are complete in April.
The closure dates are subject to fine weather. Updates will be posted at the sites below.
