Waikato and Bay of Plenty state highway works for February and March 2023

As the response to the widespread impact of Cyclone Gabrielle continues, road renewals and project activity has been able to re-commence, in part thanks to a run of warm sunny weather gracing the Waikato and Bay of Plenty region.

While crews in areas such as Coromandel, Eastern Bay of Plenty and the state highways heading to the western coast are focused on recovery works, other crews are pushing ahead with other work, says Roger Brady, Bay of Plenty System Manager at Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency. 

“Different crews have different skillsets, and we don’t expect a specialist asphalt crew to be able to jump into an emergency response situation. This means that while some crews are focused on the response and recovery actions, others can focus on the task of renewing our roads while we still have the right weather to do so. 

“We want to ensure the state highway network is in the best condition possible before the colder months settle in. Road rebuilding and resealing is crucial to this goal. While we have had a wet summer, we have an opportunity over the next month or so to do as much as we can.” 

Over the coming weeks there will be a number of road closures across the region, to allow works to take place safely and efficiently. 

“We’re aware of the key routes that are being used by those providing lifeline services and supplies into Tairāwhiti and Hawke’s Bay,” says Mr Brady.

“We want to ensure that supplies continue to reach these areas as efficiently as possible. However, some routes may be closed to help teams work quicker within a safer environment. 

“We continue to ask that you respect and support our contractor crews during this time. Over the last few weeks we have had a number of incidents of abusive behaviour towards crews reported to us. This is totally unacceptable, and we are encouraging crews to report this behaviour to NZ Police, especially if a situation becomes threatening.” 

Road users are reminded to check the Journey Planner for the latest road conditions across the state highway network(external link) 

Bay of Plenty 

Tauranga 

• Takitimu North Link Stage One: A range of construction activities will continue between Te Puna, Bethlehem and Tauriko including Cambridge Road, Harrison Road, Wairoa Road, Minden Road, Loop Road and State Highway 2, there are a number of shoulder closures and reduced speed limits. The new Harrison Road alignment will open with new seal and line marking scheduled in the coming weeks, when there is consistent fine weather. People may notice an increase in truck movements along Moffat Road over the summer months as earthworks ramp up in the Tauriko/Bethlehem area. Tree felling and stump grinding take place at the corner of Cambridge and Moffat Roads on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 March, between 7am and 7pm each day. During this time Cambridge Road will be closed from Moffat Road to St Andrews Drive. More information(external link) 
• SH2 Bay Link: The location of the westbound lanes on SH29A near the roundabout will change next week to allow for the next stage of road reconstruction in the area. From Sunday 26 February to Thursday 2 March (7pm to 6am, nights only), a single lane closure will be in place in both directions on a short section of SH29A next to the roundabout to allow this work to be completed safely. This work is weather dependent. There will be a single northbound lane closure on SH2 past the SH2/SH29A Te Maunga onramp to Bayfair roundabout on Sunday 26 February, Tuesday 28 February and Wednesday 1 March 2023 (from 7pm to 6am, nights only) to allow for line marking and barrier realignment. Temporary asphalt will be laid on a short section of Matapihi Road between the railway line and Bayfair roundabout overnight on Monday 27 February and Tuesday 28 February (from 7pm to 6am, nights only). During these hours, there will be no right turn available from Matapihi Road onto Owens Place. A detour will be available via Bayfair roundabout. More information(external link)
• SH2 – Monster Truck event at Baypark, Tauranga: Please allow extra time if travelling around the Baypark and Bayfair area on Saturday 25 February, between 3pm and 9pm. Major delays are expected around Baypark Stadium with 14,000 attendees expected for the Monster Trucks event. Where possible, we advise people driving in the area to take alternative routes to avoid potential delays. For people attending the event, please arrive ahead of the event to start with parking opening at 1pm and gates opening at 3pm. Remember, as part of the Bay Link project, a short section of Truman Lane (westbound) is reduced to one lane. While this work takes place, access to Truman Lane is via State Highway 2 Sandhurst interchange only. Access to Truman Lane from the State Highway 29A roundabout is closed.
• SH29 Takitimu Drive Toll Road: A reduced speed limit of 80km/h will be in place while contractor crews are working behind the barriers. More information  
• SH2 Fifteenth Avenue: Work continues on the upgrade of the intersection at SH2/Fifteenth Avenue and Cameron Road. Traffic management will be in place at the intersection, and there will be a reduced number of lanes on Cameron Road. Minor delays are expected. Cameron Road, between Fifteenth and Sixteenth Avenue, has a southbound lane closure through to mid-2023. 
• SH2 Hewletts Road: Works to upgrade the footpath on the northern side of SH2 Hewletts Road to a shared path will begin week commencing Monday 27 February. Work will take place in four consecutive stages to minimise disruption and will start between Totara Street and Waimarie Street. The northbound bus lane will be closed Monday to Friday between 5am and 3pm each day. A detour for people walking and cycling will be in place. Regular traffic lanes will operate as per normal. More information(external link) 
• SH2 Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road (TELTR): For the Tauranga City Council led Pāpāmoa East Interchange construction project, a section of the TELTR, just north of the Kaituna River Bridge, is reduced to three lanes. Whilst earthworks continue on the south side of the road, both eastbound lanes are open and normal speed applies. The inner westbound lane is open whilst work continues along the outside lane - the speed limit past the work site is 70km/h. This layout will remain in place until May 2023 with reinstatement work planned for June 2023. More information(external link)
  
  The Quayside Properties Ltd led Rangiuru Business Park Interchange project continues. Temporary barriers have been installed on both sides of the TELTR, and these will be in place until approximately October 2023, with one lane available in either direction. A temporary speed limit of 70km/h will apply through the site. On Tuesday 27 February the steel barriers will be extended by 250m at the end of the site, which will take place between 6am and 5pm. During this time a temporary speed limit of 30km/h will be in place past the worksite. More information(external link) 

Western Bay of Plenty 

• SH2 Waihī to Ōmokoroa: Safety improvement works continue at five active sites: between Tanners Point Road to Kauri Point Road, Rea Road / Tetley Road intersection, Lockington Road / Matahui Road intersection, Morton Road intersection and Apata Station Road to Esdaile Road. Pavement work to complete the Rea Road / Tetley Road roundabout will take place as soon as there is consistent fine weather. There is an unsealed section northbound of the Morton Road roundabout awaiting sealing. Minor delays are expected. More information(external link)  
  
  Repairs to a slip opposite Sargent Drive commence today, Friday 24 February. Stop/go traffic management will be in place on Tuesday 28 February between 9am and 4pm, to allow for the removal of material from the slope. If required, this operation will continue on Wednesday 1 March. Delays will be significant through this area. This work cannot be completed safely at night.
  
  Chipsealing continues between Katikati and Ōmokoroa from the night of Sunday 26 February. Weather permitting, work will take place from 7pm to 6am each night, Sunday to Thursday. During this time stop/go traffic management and temporary speed limits will be in place. 

Rotorua  

• SH5 Tarukenga: Road reconstruction commences Monday 27 February on a 300m section west of Tarukenga. Stop/go traffic management and temporary speed limits will be in place until late-March while this work takes place. Delays are expected. 
• SH30 Eastern Corridor Stage Two: Multiple worksites are active on SH30/Te Ngae Road between Iles Road and Puketāwhero Park. Temporary traffic management will be in place with all eastbound traffic - including heavy haulage - required to turn at Vaughan Road and follow detours. Any local eastbound traffic at the Iles Road intersection will be required to take the right turn at Iles Road and follow detours. One lane of westbound traffic will be maintained from the Ōwhata roundabout to Iles Road, with a lane shift between 411 Te Ngae Road and Basley Road. Tennyson Drive is closed at the intersection with SH30/Te Ngae Road. There is no exit from Basley Road onto SH30/Te Ngae Road - detours are in place - and there is a temporary left hand turn into Basley Road from SH30/ Te Ngae Road. The upgraded footpath on the lakeside of SH30/Te Ngae Road, between Iles Road and Basley Road is closed. Access for local residents and businesses will be maintained at all times. More information(external link) 
• SH30/SH33 Te Ngae Junction: Construction of safety improvements continue on the western side of the intersection, with a shoulder closure in place. More information(external link) 
• SH33 Te Ngae Junction to Paengaroa: Safety improvement upgrade work continues near Pareteiro - Sun Valley Curves passing lane. Temporary traffic management is in place. More information(external link) 

Eastern Bay of Plenty 

• SH30 Te Ruato Bay: Road rehabilitation commences Monday 27 February just west of Lake Okataina Road. This work is expected to be complete by late-March, during this time stop/go or stop/stop traffic management will be in place as required. Work will take place between 6am and 6pm each weekday. 
• SH30 Rotoma: A road closure will be in place between Matahi Road and SH34 Kawerau Road from Monday 27 February to Friday 3 March, between 8:30am and 5pm each day, to allow multiple maintenance activities to take place. During work hours the detour will be via SH33, SH2 and SH34 Military Road. 
• SH30 Te Teko: A road closure will be in place between Te Teko Road and Western Drain Road from Monday 13 to Friday 17 March, between 8am and 5pm each day, to allow multiple maintenance activities to take place. During work hours the detour will be via SH34 Military Road and SH2. 
• SH30 Awakeri to Whakatāne: Pavement and utility site investigation work will occur during the week along SH30, between the SH30/SH2 and SH30/Shaw Road intersections. Work will be undertaken at night under stop/go traffic management and a temporary speed limit. 
• SH2 Waioeka Gorge: An underslip at the road edge sees a section of road under priority give-way. Care is required when driving through this area. 

Tairāwhiti Gisborne/Hawke’s Bay 

• All State Highways: All state highways within the Tairāwhiti Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay regions have sustained damage during Cyclone Gabrielle, and some routes are impassable for the time being. Other routes are experiencing significant delays due to high traffic volumes, please check the Journey Planner for the most up to date information, and only travel if it is essential. More information(external link) 

Manawatū-Whanganui 

• SH4 Auraki Stream Road Retreat: Work to retreat the road away from a slip adjacent to the Mangawhero River is currently underway and is expected to be complete by mid-2023. For the duration of the works the road is reduced to one lane with traffic control operating under traffic signals. Works are generally undertaken away from the road, however there are occasions where traffic signals are used to keep drivers safe from hazards, with delays of up to 10 minutes. More information(external link) 
• SH4 Te Oreore slip: Following a slip in 2019, a temporary road is in place at Te Oreore, with a 30km/h temporary speed limit in place. Work to ensure the ongoing safety and resilience of this site is planned to start in the next couple of months, including the construction of three retaining walls north of the main slip area and the drilling and construction of two new dewatering wells. More information(external link) 
• SH4 Upokongaro to Raetihi: Ground investigations continue at a site north of Hawken Road. 

Waikato 

East Waikato 

• Coromandel State Highways: While the Coromandel state highway network is now fully open, there is the potential for further slips on SH2 and SH25 as material dries out. Caution is required if travelling, and roads may be closed at short notice. Truck and trailer units are now permitted to travel around the Peninsula using SH25. More information(external link) 
• SH25 Coromandel: Asphalt resurfacing is taking place across multiple sites around the Coromandel Peninsula. This work is taking place at night between 7pm and 6am, Sunday to Thursday nights, and is expected to continue until mid-March. 
• SH25A Kopu-Hikuai: A section of road near the summit has collapsed, and the road is impassable. Geotechnical investigations are ongoing. Detour via SH26, SH2, SH25 via the Karangahake Gorge, or SH25 via Coromandel Town. More information(external link)
• SH24 Matamata: Road rebuilding commences between Taihoa South Road and Davidson Road today, Friday 24 February. SH24 will be closed between 8am and 5pm each day, with a detour available via SH27 and SH29. Work is expected to take six days to complete. 
• SH24 Te Poi: Road rebuilding commences between Stopford Road and Old Te Aroha Road on Thursday 2 March. SH24 will be closed between 8am and 5pm each day, with a detour available via Te Poi Road and SH29. Work is expected to take a week to complete. 

Central Waikato 

• SH5 Napier – Taupō: SH5 towards Napier is closed due to slips, road damage, and other issues related to Cyclone Gabrielle. Some or all of this closure is expected to be in place for several weeks. More information(external link) 
• SH1 Lichfield: Road rebuilding commences Tuesday 28 February at a site near Puriri Road. This work is expected to take five weeks to complete. Between the hours of 7am – 7pm, Monday to Friday all northbound light vehicles will detour via Rollett Road, Paraonui Road and Wiltsdown Road. Northbound heavy vehicles and residents living within the worksite will be stacked at the site and let through at set intervals. 
• SH1 Ātiamuri: Traffic continues to be managed through the 4.5km site where side and median barriers are being installed south of Ātiamuri. Both north and south-bound lanes are restricted to 50km/h with stop/go in place at active work sites. Pavement works and barrier construction will finish in April 2023. More information(external link) 
• SH5 Reporoa: Road reconstruction continues outside the Fonterra factory. Work will take place between the hours of 7am and 5pm, six days a week, until late-February. When works are taking place the road will be closed, with a detour via Reporoa Road and Settlers Road. This detour is suitable for HPMV and over-dimension vehicles. 
• SH1 Taupō: Asphalt resurfacing at several roundabouts on the East Taupō Arterial continues. Work is taking place at SH1/Lake Terrace near the airport between 7pm and 6am each night from Sunday 26 February for four nights. Stop/go traffic management will be in place, along with temporary speed limits. 
• SH1 Waitahanui: Asphalt resurfacing continues in Waitahanui. Stop/go traffic management will be in place between 7am and 7pm each day until early-March. 
• SH1 Tūrangi: Asphalt resurfacing takes place at the intersection of SH1 and Katarina Street on the night of Thursday 2 March. Local road detours will be in place, with stop/go traffic management on SH1. 
• SH41 Tokaanu: Due to a washout, the road is down to one lane under temporary traffic lights, with a 30km/h temporary speed restriction in place 
• SH1 Waiouru: Asphalt resurfacing takes place at the SH1/SH49 intersection from Tuesday 7 March, taking three nights to complete. Stop go traffic management and a temporary speed limit will be in place between 7pm and 6am each night. 
• Chipsealing will take place on SH1 between Taupō and Waiouru, with two crews in operation during the week. Stop/go traffic management and temporary speed limits will be in place. 

West Waikato 

• SH1B Puketaha: SH1B east of Hamilton is closed at the southern end of Telephone Road while options for its long-term future are investigated. Detour via Holland Road, Waverley Road and Seddon Road. More information(external link) 
• SH1 Waikato Expressway - Ngāruawāhia Section: Safety and remedial works have restarted with temporary safety barriers reinstalled over recent weeks. Traffic will be managed through the work sites which are single lane and 50km/h until completion in March 2024. More information(external link) 
• SH1C Mangaharakeke Drive: Resurfacing work on the northbound lanes near Foreman Road commences Sunday 5 March and is expected to take three nights to complete. Work will take place between 8pm and 5am each night, during this time northbound traffic will be detoured from Norton Road roundabout via Lincoln Street, Forest Lake Road, Te Rapa Road to re-join SH1C at the Horotiu Interchange. HPMV’s and over-dimension vehicles will be stacked and released at regular intervals. 
• SH1C Normandy Avenue: Road resurfacing takes place on between Lorne Street and Cobham Drive on Wednesday 1 March, between the hours of 7pm and 6am. Stop/go traffic management will be in place during this time. 
• SH3 Ohaupo Road: Road resurfacing takes place on near Garden Heights Avenue on Tuesday 7 and Wednesday 8 March, between the hours of 7pm and 6am. During this time access to SH3 from Garden Heights Avenue will be closed, please follow local road detours. Stop/go traffic management and a temporary speed limit will be in place on SH3. 
• SH1C Hillcrest: Work at the SH1C/Cambridge Road roundabout continue with one lane available in each direction. A temporary speed limit of 30km/h is in place at all times. Cambridge Road and Johnsview Terrace are operating as left in/left out only. This work sees the intersection changed to traffic light controls, and is expected to be completed by mid-2023. More information(external link) 
• SH23 Dinsdale: Due to the Dinsdale Water Supply Upgrade project, traffic management will be in place around the Dinsdale Roundabout, Rifle Range Road, and the Rifle Range Road and Massey Street intersection until mid-February, dependent on weather and project progress. Full completion of the project is expected by late-April. The northbound lane of Rifle Range Road is closed to traffic. More information(external link) 
• SH23 Raglan Deviation: Cracking and slumping has occurred at a section of road approximately 1.6km west of Glentui Lane. The site is active and continuing to move, as such the road is closed to traffic. A temporary road is being constructed to allow vehicles to pass the affected area, and this will be open by early March. Detour via Ngāruawāhia between Raglan and Whatawhata, using Ohautira Road. More information(external link) 
• SH3 Glenview: Work has commenced at the Glenview Bus Hub, and this is expected to take three months to complete. Temporary traffic management and a temporary speed limit of 30km/h is in place. More information(external link)
  Chipsealing takes place on Tuesday 28 February just south of the SH3/Whatukooruru Drive roundabout. Stop/go traffic management and a temporary speed limit will be in place between 7pm and 6am. 
• SH21 Renewals: Chipsealing takes place on Wednesday 1 and Thursday 2 March just east of the SH3/SH21 roundabout. Stop/go traffic management and a temporary speed limit will be in place between 7pm and 6am.
  Asphalt resurfacing takes place at the SH21/Wiremu Tamihana Drive intersection on Thursday 2 March. Stop/go traffic management and a temporary speed limit will be in place between 7pm and 6am. 
• SH1 Maungatautari: Chipsealing takes place east of Maungatautari Road on the night of Sunday 26 February. Stop/go traffic management will be in place between the hours of 7pm and 5am. 
• SH30 Kōpaki: Due to safety concerns Kopaki Bridge is only open to local light traffic. The detour for all other vehicles is via Kopaki Road and SH4. More information(external link) 
• SH39 Pirongia: Road rehabilitation and bridge repairs will take place at the northern entry to Pirongia, commencing Monday 27 February. A road closure will be in place for two weeks from mid-March when the rebuild is taking place near the bridge, detours will be in place, with heavy vehicles advised to use SH3. Prior to this stop/go traffic management and a temporary speed limit will be in place. 
• SH31 Kawhia Road: A slump has appeared at a location on the Kawhia side of the lookout.  Stop/go traffic management and a temporary speed limit is in place while investigations take place. 
• SH4 Taumarunui: Following storm damage, a section of road north of Taumarunui, between the State Highway 43 intersection and Okahukura Bridge Road is under stop/go traffic management, controlled by traffic signals. Enabling works have commenced, and plans for the long-term repair of this road are currently being designed.  

North Waikato 

• SH1 Mercer: Multiple maintenance activities takes place on the northbound lanes between Mercer and Pokeno from Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 March, between 10pm and 5am each night. Traffic in both directions will use the southbound lanes. 
• SH2 Maramarua: Stormwater maintenance will take place between Monument Road and Dimmock Road between Sunday 26 and Tuesday 28 February. Stop/go traffic management and temporary speed limits will be in place at each worksite. 

Taranaki 

• SH43 Aukopae: Due to a wash out, there is 30km/h speed restriction in place. 
• SH3 Awakino Bypass: Work is expected to be complete late-March. Stop/go traffic management and a 30km/h speed limit will be present when work is taking place. 
• SH3 Tongapōrutu: A slip has the road down to one lane south of Tongapōrutu, which is being controlled by traffic signals. Repair work is expected to be complete by early-March. Delays of 5-10 minutes are expected. 
• SH3 Te Ara o Te Ata: Mt Messenger Bypass: A 50km/h speed limit is in place across a 5km section of SH3 at Mt Messenger. Temporary traffic management measures will still be in place occasionally as required. More information(external link) 
• SH3 Uruti: Due to maintenance works, there are temporary traffic lights and a 30km/h temporary speed restriction in place near Uruti Road. Minor delays are expected. 

For up to 48 hours following completion of chipseal sites, a 50km/h temporary speed limit will be in place until the road is swept and line marking reinstated. 

The above information is accurate at the time of release. Many of the above works are dependent on a number of factors, particularly weather, and may be postponed at short notice.

For up-to-date information on road works, traffic, detours and delays, motorists are encouraged to visit the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner website(external link)

Waka Kotahi thanks motorists for their patience while we complete this essential work to keep the state highway network safe, accessible and resilient.