Waikato and Bay of Plenty state highway works for May 2023

Winter has arrived in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty with temperatures dropping considerably over the past week. Road contractors across the state highway network are completing the last renewal sites of the 2022/23 season, which has seen a significant programme of work delivered under testing circumstances. 

While there may be fewer roadwork sites on the network now, it still pays to plan ahead, says Roger Brady, Bay of Plenty System Manager at Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

“The winter period is just as important to us as the summer, as we need to keep our roads operating through all seasons to ensure people, products and places remain connected,” Mr Brady says.

SH2 North of Tauranga has suffered with congestion issues this week, this piece of road is incredibly sensitive and any work near or on the road is seeing changes in traffic flow. There has been an increase of more than 6000 daily vehicles in the last 10 years, bringing current estimates up to around 25,000 vehicles per day on this corridor.

Works here are being done at night until early June with both lanes open during the day and a 50km/h limit in place to minimise disruption. 

“With teams still completing work, there is still associated traffic management in place across the network.

“Impacts such as those seen on State Highway 2 this week, can happen even when we have worked hard to minimise the impact of our work by working at night.

“Throughout the winter period our contractors will be out in all conditions to monitor and maintain the network. This includes proactive and reactive maintenance to keep roads in good condition, before any permanent repairs take place during the warmer, drier months,” Mr Brady says. 

Road users are reminded to check the Journey Planner (www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz(external link)) for up to date road conditions across the state highway network. 

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 SH2, there are a number of shoulder closures and reduced speed limits. More information(external link)
• SH2 Wairoa Cycleway: Motorists are being advised that the peak time congestion issues on State Highway 2 between Ōmokoroa and Bethlehem are set to continue over the coming weeks. Between the Wairoa Bridge and Bethlehem there are two pieces of work planned or underway.  
  Tauranga City Council Cycleway works continue off–road underneath the Wairoa bridge, further on-road work will continue after June 1.  This work will be completed at night with some traffic management in place during the day. The cycleway is due to be completed in July 2023. 
  Separately, road rehabilitation between Wairoa Bridge and Bethlehem, continues, with work taking place until early June.  
  Due to the narrow width of the bridge approaches, the road will be closed overnight, from 8pm through to 5am on Wednesday 24 May and Sunday 28 May. Light vehicles will be detoured, via Wairoa Road, Crawford Road and Poripori Road, through to State Highway 29. Heavy vehicles will be stacked either side of the bridge and piloted through at set intervals. 
  At all other times work will take place under Stop/Go traffic management with temporary speed limits past the site. 
• SH2 Bay Link: The lanes approaching SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange from the Bayfair roundabout and flyover will be adjusted to improve traffic flow. On Sunday 21 May from approximately 5pm to 6am, single lane closures will be in place on SH2 and SH29A at SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange to allow for work to be undertaken on traffic signals at this intersection. From Monday 22 May, both lanes at the top of the interchange will proceed straight onto SH2 Tauranga Eastern Link, while the right lane will also provide for a right turn towards SH29A. This is a temporary reconfiguration while all road users bound for SH2 Tauranga Eastern Link or SH29A are travelling through SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange.  
  Road reconstruction is underway on all ground level roads leading into, and away from, the Bayfair roundabout, with the following temporary traffic layouts in place: A single lane is available on Maunganui Road northbound from opposite Exeter Street, through the Bayfair roundabout to opposite Concord Avenue, on Maunganui Road southbound from Concord Avenue to Bayfair roundabout and around the Bayfair roundabout. Find out more about the new road layout at nzta.govt.nz/bayfairflyover(external link)  
  New work zones and a new road layout are in place on Matapihi Road at the intersection of Owens Place, and approaching the Bayfair roundabout to enable the completion of this intersection. The pedestrian crossing on Matapihi Road has moved between the two HomeZone shopping area entrances. The right turn from Matapihi Road onto Owens Place is now permanently closed. Road users wishing to turn right onto Owens Place from Matapihi Road use the Bayfair roundabout, complete a full turn at the roundabout before returning along Matapihi Road and turning left into Owens Place.    
• SH29 Takitimu Drive Toll Road (TDTR): A reduced speed limit of 80km/h will be in place while contractor crews are working behind the barriers.  SH29 Kaimai Range: Due to surface conditions on SH29 between Old Kaimai Road and Hanga Road, the road will be reduced to one lane in both directions with a 50km temporary speed limit in place. Caution is required. 
• SH2 Fifteenth Avenue: Work continues on the upgrade of the intersection at SH2/Fifteenth Avenue and Cameron Road. Work is currently focused on the southeast corner of the Fifteenth Avenue intersection. Temporary traffic management is in place with a westbound lane closure on Fifteenth Avenue, with traffic able to turn left onto Cameron Road from the centre lane, and a southbound lane closure on Cameron Road, between Fifteenth and Sixteenth Avenue. Moderate traffic delays are expected 
• SH2 Hewletts Road: Work continues to upgrade the existing footpath on the northern side of SH2 Hewletts Road to a shared use path. Footpath widening has been completed, and work to widen the Hewletts Road/Waimarie Street pedestrian crossing is underway. The northbound bus lane will be closed Monday to Friday between 5am and 3pm each day, until early June. Line marking of the new shared path continues between Totara Street and Aerodrome Road, with works taking place at night only. 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 late July 2023 with reinstatement work planned to follow. 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. More information(external link) 

Western Bay of Plenty 

• SH2 Waihī to Ōmokoroa:  Safety improvements continue at four active sites: between Tanners Point Road to Kauri Point Road, Rea Road /Tetley Road Roundabout, Lockington Road/Matahui Road intersection and Apata Station Road to Esdaile Road.  
  Lane shifts and intermittent stop/go traffic management will be in place throughout these worksites, which may cause some delays, however typically only one to two minutes of additional travel time will be experienced. More information(external link)

Rotorua 

• SH30 Eastern Corridor Stage Two: There are multiple active worksites on SH30/Te Ngae Road between Iles Road and Ōwhata Road. In places the temporary traffic management includes contraflow lane shifts, shoulder closures, temporary pedestrian crossings, temporary signalised crossings, footpath closures, and/or reduced speed limits. From Monday 22 March there will be an off-peak (9am – 3pm) road closure at Brent Road, as well as shoulder closures and pedestrian detours in place. Moderate traffic delays are expected. 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, and earthworks continue on the southeast corner of the SH30/SH33 intersection, temporary traffic management will be in place including a reduced speed limit through the site during work hours. From Monday 22 May a three way stop/go will be in place 24/7 as work begins on-road for the new roundabout. Access for traffic will be maintained, however significant traffic delays are expected of up to 30 minutes during peak times and up to 10 minutes off-peak. People travelling to/from the north on SH33 in light vehicles are encouraged to use Hamurana Road, SH36 and/or SH5. More information(external link)
• SH33 Te Ngae Junction to Paengaroa: Work on SH33, just south of Allport Road, will continue from next week while contractors work to repair slips in this area. Temporary traffic management will be in place including stop/go, lane shifts and shoulder closures while these works are underway. We expect this work to take two days. Minor traffic delays are expected. More information(external link) 
• SH30 Lake Rotoiti: Reinstatement work is underway on an underslip at Lake Rotoiti, the estimated completion time is 12 days, crews will be on site 24/7 with manned traffic lights, minor traffic delays are expected. 
• SH30 Rotoma: Due to an underslip between Matahi Road and SH34 Kawerau Road, a section of SH30 is reduced to one lane with stop/go traffic management in place. Geotechnical investigations are underway.  
• SH36 Mangorewa Gorge:  Investigations are underway after a slip was identified following recent heavy weather with one lane closed and stop/go traffic management in place. Stop/go traffic management is also in place after recent floods between Jackson Road and Central Road. Surface repairs will take place where required, and the passing lane will remain closed for the immediate future. Drive with caution and expect some delays

Eastern Bay of Plenty

• 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. 
• SH2 Manganuku Bridge, Waioeka Gorge: After planned testing on the Manganuku Bridge, further investigations are required. The reduced speed limit of 30km/h for heavy vehicles will remain in place until results are determined. Heavy vehicles must adhere to the speed limit as those travelling at higher speeds will exert greater loads on the structure, which currently poses a significant risk. 
• SH38 Murupara: Due to an underslip north of Murupara township priority give way has been set up whilst geotechnical investigations are carried out. 
• SH2 Wainui to Ōpōtiki: Safety improvements between Wainui Road and Woodlands Road, Opotiki continue. This work is expected to be complete in late-2023 (weather dependent). Works consists of shoulder widening and the installation of safety barriers. During this time road users can expect to see shoulder closures and/or stop/go operations in place, as required. Works will take place between 7am and 5pm each weekday. Please allow extra time for your journey as delays up to 10 minutes may be experienced.  

Tairāwhiti/Hawkes Bay  

• SH2 Napier to Wairoa: SH2 is now open 7am to 6pm daily, minor delays of 30 minutes are expected. At night the road will be closed between Waikoau Hill and Aropaoanui Rd. Traffic management and temporary speed restrictions will be in place as required. 
• SH2 Gisborne to Matawai: Significant delays are expected between Gisborne and Matawai due to road rehabilitation works that are taking place between May and July. Stop/go traffic management and temporary speed limits will be in place at each worksite. Asphalt resurfacing work will commence in the same area from June. More information(external link)

Manawatū-Whanganui 

• SH4 Upokongaro to Raetihi: As well as existing damaged sites, there are several sites along SH4 that received damage from Cyclone Gabrielle and have traffic management in place, including a number that require further investigation and designs completed prior to remedial action taking place.   
• 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. Construction of three new retaining walls north of the main slip area are ongoing. 
• SH4 Waimarino and Kakatahi: Due to road realignment works, there will be a stop/go with 30km/h temporary speed restriction in place between 7am and 5pm. Delays are expected, plan accordingly and allow extra time for travel. 
• SH4 Otoko: Due to slip clearing, kerb and channel and culvert repair works, there will be multiple stop/go sites with 30km/h temporary speed restrictions in place on weekdays between 7am and 5pm. Plan your journey accordingly allowing extra time for travel. 
• SH4 Burrell Road underslip: Work continues at the site of an existing underslip near Burrell Road south of Otoko. Crews are constructing a new 18-metre-long anchored retaining wall, and underpinning an existing concrete crib retaining wall. Traffic management will be in place during this time, with work expected to be completed by mid-June. 

Waikato 

East Waikato 

• SH25 Opoutere: An underslip has caused significant damage to the road structure. The temporary road is open with stop/go traffic management, however there may be periods of stop/stop traffic management as required. Work to repair the slip has commenced, and is expected to be complete in June.  
• SH25 Moana Anu Anu Bridge, Whangamatā: The bridge (also known as Wentworth River Bridge). which is located near the intersection of Tairua and Port Roads, will be closed to all traffic from 7am to 5pm on Friday 9 June for essential maintenance work. Motorists travelling between Waihi and Tairua on State Highway 25 (SH25) will be detoured through Whangamatā during this time. The bridge will also be closed to cyclists and pedestrians throughout this work. More information(external link) 
• SH25A Kopu-Hikuai: A section of road near the summit has collapsed, and the road is impassable.  Detour via SH26, SH2, SH25 via the Karangahake Gorge, or SH25 via Coromandel Town. More information(external link)
• SH25 Te Kouma: Road surface repairs are required due to slip damage located between Manaia and Te Kouma Road, work will take place from Sunday 21 May, for three nights. A full road closure will be in place from 8pm to to 5am each night, with 1 hour between 11pm and 12am (midnight) to allow for vehicles to pass through the site. 
• SH2 Waihi: Surface repairs will take place on Wednesday 24 May (weather dependent) at the Seddon Street roundabout in Waihi. A full road closure will in place from 10pm to 6am with all traffic detoured via Kenny Street. 

Central Waikato 

• 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 traffic management in place at times. Pavement works and barrier construction will finish in June. More information(external link) 
• 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 Piarere to Waiouru: Road surface repairs will take place throughout the week to repair sections of the road surface.  Work will take place between 7am and 6pm each day from Monday 22 May to Saturday 27 May. Temporary traffic management and reduced speed limits will be in place at each worksite. 

West Waikato 

• SH1 Waikato Expressway - Ngāruawāhia Section: Safety improvements and remedial works require a single lane in each direction with a 50km/h temporary speed limit, until completion in May 2024. More information(external link) 
• SH21 Tamahere safety improvements: Safety improvements have commenced with lane shifts and a temporary speed limit in place.  Work is expected to be complete in July. More information(external link)
• SH23 Dinsdale: Full completion of the Hamilton City Council Dinsdale Water Supply project is expected by mid-2023. More information(external link) 
• SH1C Frankton: Asphalt resurfacing at the SH1C/SH23/Massey/Hall Overbridge intersection continues. Work will take place overnight, Sunday 21 May until Thursday 25 May for southbound lanes. Detours will be in place as required: to Hall Street via SH1C, Norton Road, Jolly Street and Kent Street, to Massy Street via 1C, Rifle Range Road and Massey Street. 
• SH1C Hillcrest: Work at the SH1C/Cambridge Road roundabout continues 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. Additionally, from 5 April until late May, there will be no left turn from SH1C Cobham Drive into local Cambridge Road. Please use the Wairere Drive-Cobham Drive interchange to access local Cambridge Road and the Hillcrest shops. This work sees the intersection changed to traffic light controls, and is expected to be completed by late August 2023. More information(external link) 
• SH3 Melville: Kerb and Channel renewal works will be carried out on Normandy Avenue Monday 22 to Friday 26 May between the hours of 6am to 4pm each day. Westbound lanes will be closed to through traffic during this time. Detours will be in place for local roads and through traffic. Residents will have access to their properties at all times.  Emergency services will be given priority through the worksite. This work is weather dependant. 
• SH23 Raglan Deviation: An underslip occurred at a section of road approximately 1.6km west of Glentui Lane. The retaining wall constructed to hold the road is now complete, work to reinstate the road back to the old alignment is continuing. Work is expected to be complete by late May. More information(external link) 
• SH30 Kōpaki: Due to safety concerns Kopaki Bridge is only open to local light traffic until the new bridge is open to traffic late May. The detour for all other vehicles is via Kopaki Road and SH4. More information(external link) 

North Waikato 

• SH1 Mercer to Island Bock Road:  A full southbound closure on Wednesday 24 May between 10pm and 5am will take place for maintenance to be carried out. Traffic will still be able to travel south using one of the northbound lanes.  
• SH2 Maramarua: Road resurfacing is taking place between Wyatt Road and Kopuku Road, and Dimmock Road and Heaven Road, on Sunday 21 May between 9pm and 5am. Stop/Go traffic management will be in place. 
• SH2 Monument Road to Dimmock Road: Stop/go traffic management will be in place for stormwater maintenance from Monday 22 May  to Wednesday 24 May y between 9pm and 5am each night.   
• SH2 Mangatawhiri: There will be a full closure in both directions on Thursday 25 May between 9pm and 5am for road resurfacing works. A detour will be in place via Koheroa Road and Rawiri Road.  

Taranaki 

• SH43 Aukopae: Due to a wash out, there is 30km/h speed restriction in place. 
• SH3 Te Ara o Te Ata: Mt Messenger Bypass: Due to barrier installation and cut stabilisation works, Stop/Go traffic management with a 30km/h speed restriction will be in place between 7am and 5pm from Monday 29 May to Wednesday 14 June with delays of up to 15 minutes. This excludes King’s Birthday weekend, when the stop/go will finish at midday on Friday 2 June and resume at 8am on Tuesday 6 June, and the weekend of Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 June. More information(external link) 
• SH3 Tongapōrutu: Slip repair work continues south of Hills Road with, stop/go traffic management and a temporary speed limit in place. 
• SH3 Awakino Gorge: Due to a prior slip, SH3 is open to one lane under stop/go traffic management with a 30km/h temporary speed restriction between Manganui and Awakau Roads. There will be ongoing remedial work at this site over the coming weeks. 
• SH3 Te Ara Tutohu Waitara to Bell Block: SH3 will be reduced to one lane at the Princess Street intersection until early May while stormwater works are completed. Stop/Go traffic management will be in place on SH3 from approximately 140m south of the Princess Street intersection, through to 100m north of the intersection. A 30km/h temporary speed limit will be in place along this section of road. Delays of up to 10 minutes are expected. 
• SH44 New Plymouth:  Road surface repairs are scheduled to commence on Thursday 25 May (weather permitting) between Bayly Road and Port Taranaki, work will take place between 7am and 7pm each day for up to two nights. Stop/go traffic management will be in place, delays of up to 15 minutes are expected.

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 (journeys.nzta.govt.nz(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.