Waikato and Bay of Plenty state highway works for May 2023

Waka Kotahi contractors will continue working throughout the winter months as ongoing wet weather is having a significant impact on the state highway network across New Zealand, including in the Bay of Plenty region.

During the wet winter months contractors will focus on completing minor repairs to maintain the integrity of the road before more permanent repairs can be completed in the warmer months. 

As well as this, contractors are continually monitoring the network and proactively managing isolated issues as they appear, says Roger Brady, Bay of Plenty System Manager, Maintenance and Operations. 

“We have a regular process to inspect the state highway network across the Bay of Plenty region, and this allows us to respond quickly to issues as they appear on the network. 

“During the colder months we need to deal with ice in some areas. Our key weapon against ice on the roads is calcium magnesium acetate (CMA), sometimes mixed with grit. This substance lowers the temperature at which water on the road surface freezes. We apply this based on local knowledge of hazard spots, and thermal mapping. The thermal mapping process uses data from strategically placed remote-reporting weather stations to predict where icing is likely to occur on the network.  

“As always, it is important to drive to the conditions, and we encourage road users to slow down in areas we have applied CMA and/or grit. 

“Finally, there will be times when we are unaware of issues on the extensive Bay of Plenty network, such as individual potholes, isolated flooding or slips. If you come across these type of issues we encourage you to advise us via 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) so we can respond as quickly as possible.” 

Road users are always 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 Bay Link: Nightworks are scheduled to take place from Wednesday 31 May to Wednesday 7 June 2023 (from approximately 7pm to 6am each night, excluding King’s Birthday long weekend) on Truman Lane. If this work is delayed due to weather or other unforeseen issues, it will be carried out on the next suitable night/s. During these shifts, there will be momentary rolling blocks on Truman Lane. If you are travelling while this work is underway, please drive with caution through the project site, reduce your speed and follow the directions provided on traffic management signage. A 50km/h temporary speed limit applies on Truman Lane, which lowers to 30km/h on the approach to the SH29A roundabout. There is a new layout at the SH2/29A Te Maunga interchange with both lanes approaching SH2/SH29A Te Maunga interchange from the Bayfair roundabout and flyover now proceeding straight onto SH2 Tauranga Eastern Link, with the right lane also providing 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. 
• 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.   
• 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 path. Footpath widening has been completed. The northbound bus lane will be closed Monday to Friday between 5am and 3pm for short periods of time to finalise signals works, 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.  
• 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) 
• SH2 Wairoa Cycleway: Motorists are being advised the peak time congestion issues on SH2 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 in early June.  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.  
• SH2 Wairoa River Bridge: Road rehabilitation between Wairoa River Bridge and Bethlehem continues, with work taking place until mid-June. Due to the narrow width of the bridge approaches, the road will be closed overnight between 8pm and 5am on Wednesday 31 May, with a previously planned closure for Sunday 28 May being deferred. Light vehicles will be detoured via Wairoa Road, Crawford Road and Poripori Road, through to SH29. 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. 

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 lane shifts, shoulder closures, temporary pedestrian crossings, temporary signalised crossings, footpath closures, and/or reduced speed limits. There is a road closure at Tennyson Drive, 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. There is a three way stop/go in place 24/7 as work continues on 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:  Repairs on an underslip have now been completed. A temporary speed limit remains in place until the site can be sealed which is expected to take place in early June. 
• SH30 Rotoma: There are two slips between Matahi Road and SH34 Kawerau Road on SH30. Westbound heavy commercial vehicles must detour via SH34 Military Road, SH2, and SH33 back to SH30. Westbound light vehicles and all eastbound vehicles can use SH30 as normal. This detour will add approximately 40 minutes to journey times. The western slip will continue to have stop/go in place. Road users are urged to drive with caution. Manawahe Road is currently closed until further notice due to flooding from the 18km mark through to the intersection with Matahi Road. 
• SH36 Mangorewa Gorge:  Due to a slip on State Highway 36 Mangorewa Gorge (Tauranga Direct Road), approximately 500 metres south of the Mangorewa Track Carpark, caution is advised when driving through this area. Stop/go traffic management is currently in place with a reduced speed limit of 30km/h. A geotechnical assessment has been completed, and a timeframe to repair the slip will be confirmed in due course. The road is expected to be reduced to one lane for up to three months. 

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, significant delays of approximately 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 road is open with stop/go traffic management in place. Light vehicles only (boat trailers/caravans are okay). Heavy vehicles must use alternative route. Repairs to the slip are expected to be completed in June. More information(external link). 
• 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)
• SH2 Waihi: Surface repairs will take place on Sunday 28 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. 

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 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, until early June 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 May to Thursday 1 June, 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: Restorative work on the temporary alignment area is underway. Work on the repaired road is expected to be complete by late May. More information(external link). 

North Waikato 

• SH1 Nikau Road to Pokeno: A full southbound closure will take place on Sunday 28 May, between 9.30pm and 5am, to allow maintenance activities to take place. Traffic will still be able to travel south using one of the northbound lanes.  
• SH1 Pioneer Road Intersection, Pokeno: Lane restrictions will be in place to allow maintenance activities to take place on Sunday 28 May between 9pm and 5am. Turning right on to Pioneer Road South will be unavailable, exit via Pioneer Road North. 
• SH2 Dimmock Road to Heaven Road: Stop/go traffic management will be in place to allow maintenance activities to take place on Sunday 28 May between 9pm and 5am. Stop/go traffic management and a temporary speed limit will be in place. 

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: Crews have commenced work to install a retaining wall on SH3 north of Hutiwai Road. The site will remain under stop/go traffic management until late June, when the retaining wall is complete. Following this, a temporary speed limit will remain in place until crews return to the site to complete pavement repairs later in the year when the weather is drier and warmer. 
• 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. 

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