State Highway 3 a hive of activity prior to Easter

Journeys between New Plymouth and Hamilton will take longer than expected in the lead-up to Easter, due to a number of worksites along the length of the route.

While some sites such as Te Ara o Te Ata: Mt Messenger Bypass have been underway for some time, network-wide road resurfacing and resealing are taking place next week, along with the commencement of works on Te Ara Tutohu Waitara to Bell Block to create a new roundabout and underpass.

This combination of important projects for the Taranaki region and the final stretch of road renewals for the summer season will cause additional travel time, says Jaclyn Hankin, Central North Island Regional Manager, Maintenance & Operations at Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

“It is going to be a busy couple of weeks, and road users can expect up to an extra hour added to their daily travel between New Plymouth and Hamilton. We acknowledge that this is significant, however the benefits will be seen over winter and beyond.

“Completing our resealing programme ensures the state highway network is in the best possible condition ahead of the colder, wetter weather over winter. Having new waterproof surfaces prevents water entering the road structure, and this reduces the potential for potholes to develop.

“Projects like Te Ara o Te Ata: Mt Messenger Bypass and Te Ara Tutohu Waitara to Bell Block will in time see safer corridors available for all road users. This benefits the region now through employment opportunities, and in the future through increased safety and travel efficiency.”

To avoid getting stung when travelling on the state highway network, the Journey Planner is the best tool to view up to date conditions.

“Checking the Journey Planner before leaving for your destination will give you a real-time view of the number of roadwork sites on any planned route,” says Ms Hankin. “Users can also see in the real time the best route to take based on any detours or delays.”

Journey Planner(external link)

Ahead of the Easter Holidays all roadwork sites will be shut down by midday on Thursday 6 April, before works recommence at 8am Tuesday 11 April.

A full list of worksites on SH3 between Hamilton and New Plymouth, in descending order:

Road users are also advised that SH39 is currently closed at the northern end of Pirongia due to a road rehabilitation site, which will be complete on Friday 31 March. A detour via Te Awamutu is in place.