The search for the perfect wave set to become smoother

The trip to Raglan is set to be smoother than the left-hander at Manu Bay, with much needed night works getting underway in February.

Work is set to start on State Highway 23 near Maungatawhiri Road from Monday 12 February for 3 weeks, with a mix of stop/go traffic management and night closures.  

Closing the road connecting Raglan to the rest of the Waikato is the only way to undertake these much-needed works, explains Andy Oakley, Waikato System Manager at NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi. 

“Raglan locals will know there has been regular work at this site over the last few years to reseal the road. We’re at a stage now that a complete rebuild of this part of SH23 is needed,” says Mr Oakley.  

“Closing the highway will be an inconvenience for everyone getting in and out on Raglan. We have worked closely with our contractor to try to reduce the disruption while getting these works done as quickly as possible.

“This is the only way into Raglan, and there is no suitable detour available. During road-closures vehicles will be escorted through the worksite at certain times. We’re confident this will help to minimise the disruption the works will cause.  

“We thank residents and drivers for their understanding and patience while these critical works are completed. I encourage everyone to check the NZTA Journey Planner on the day of their travel to see the latest road and traffic conditions before they set out on their journey,” says Mr Oakley.  

Work on SH23 will happen across two key phases: 

• Phase 1: From Monday 12 February to Saturday 24 February: stop/go traffic management will be in place between 7am and 5pm each day. This will allow crews to do preparation work, including kerb, channel and subsoil drainage works. Drivers will be able to pass through the site.  
• Phase 2: From Sunday 25 February to Friday 1 March, and Sunday 3 March to Friday 8 March, SH23 will be closed between 9pm and 5am between houses #4095 and #4180, including access to Maungatawhiri Road. This will allow crews to remove existing road layers and replace them. Vehicles will be allowed through the worksite at 9.45pm, 11pm, 1am and 3am. Vehicles will need to be at the closure points at either end of the site and Maungatawhiri Road intersection at these times and will be escorted through the worksite. Once the queue is through the site the closure will re-start until the next opening time.  

Further work to complete a second layer of seal on the road will be undertaken next summer (2024/25).

Closure dates and times  

* ^{Vehicles will be allowed through the worksite at 9.45pm, 11pm, 1am and 3am.}