Waikato and Bay of Plenty state highway works for November 2023

24 November 2023 1:07 pm | Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency

With only one month until Christmas, the summer renewals programme is steaming ahead with bells on.

Great progress is being made across the region, and although there have been a few rain delays, generally contractors are making good headway into what is a huge summer programme overall, says Roger Brady, Acting Regional Manager Maintenance and Operations at Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

“Work will continue to build momentum up until the Christmas/New Year break. We have put a real emphasis on planning our work, with the aim to reduce overall disruption by collaborating across the regions. This will help road users reach their destination on time.”

There are still emergency works across the region. One example is State Highway 5 Waimangu, south of Rotorua, where an underslip occurred in September.

“It has taken time to understand why the slip happened, and determine the method for repair. A contract has now been awarded to repair the slip with works starting early next week.

“The repairs involve backfilling with material recycled from another project, installation of a geotextile layer and a rock-armoured face to stabilise the bank. With weather on our side the work should be finished mid-December.

“As always, the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner is the best tool to use on the day of travel, as this provides real-time updates on the network,” says Mr Brady.

Journey Planner(external link)

Bay of Plenty

Tauranga

Takitimu North Link Stage One: Earthworks are underway across a number of sites. On Wairoa Road, stop/go traffic management will be in place while trucks are crossing Wairoa Road, and 30km/h speed limits will be in place at all times within the construction area. Work in this area will become more evident as we work towards completing the Wairoa Road bridge in preparation of its opening. Minden Road has a 30km/h speed limit throughout the construction zone. A temporary haul road into the Te Mete Valley is operational to support the summer earthworks season. The single-lane haul road is separated from SH2. Road users should be aware of the new road layout and temporary speed limit of 60km/h on SH2 alongside the haul road. More information(external link).
Cambridge Road: Construction work to complete the new Cambridge Road overbridge, between Bethlehem and Tauriko continues. Work to connect the bridge with Cambridge and Moffat roads and utility services will be completed in 3 phases. Phase 1 involves building a diversion road allowing traffic to flow during these works. While these works take place there will be slower speed limits in place on Cambridge Road, shoulder closures and when necessary, stop/go traffic management. Traffic will be diverted onto the temporary diversion road from this week. A 3-month closure of a section of Moffat Road near Tauranga Adventist School starts in January 2024. More information(external link).
Cambridge Road (East): Tauranga City Council continues slip repair work at Cambridge Road East near the St Andrews Drive roundabout. Cambridge Road is now one-lane only while the work is underway, drivers heading into the city detour via St Andrews Drive, Castlewold Drive and Wakefield Drive. Drivers coming from the city are to use Cambridge Road as usual. There is a 30km/h speed restriction past the work site. The slip was caused by recent weather and the repair team is progressing well with the construction of a retaining wall to help prevent future slips. During November, drainage works and road repair will be undertaken to restore the kerb and channel on Cambridge Road. The repair is expected to be completed in mid-December, weather dependent.
SH2 Bethlehem: Tauranga City Council is replacing the concrete barrier on the eastbound shoulder between Bethlehem Road and Waihī Road with guardrail, as part of the Beaumaris Boulevard flood mitigation works. The road shoulder will be closed for approximately 3 weeks, before a further single night closure to remove the temporary barriers on Thursday 30 November. During the closure period eastbound vehicles will be detoured via Bethlehem Road, Carmichael Road, Millers Road, Bellevue Road and Waihī Road.
SH2/15^th Ave: Work on the Tauranga City Council-led Cameron Road upgrade continues, with resurfacing of the Fifteenth Avenue intersection at night, between 6pm and 6am each night between Sunday 26 November and Thursday 30 November. More information(external link)
Hewletts Road /Maunganui Road: Construction continues on two pedestrian maze crossings at the railway crossing. Work is expected to be complete by early December 2023 During construction there will be lane closures for periods of time.
SH2 Bay Link: People travelling between Baypark and Bayfair will continue to see several road and lane closures. Closures will vary night to night, depending on site requirements and progress, and people are asked to allow extra time, follow signposted detours and drive with caution through the project site. To minimise impact, works are undertaken at night where possible with the aim to minimise disruption to people travelling through the area. More information(external link).
SH29 Takitimu Drive Toll Road (TDTR): A reduced speed limit of 80km/h is in place while Takitimu North Link crews are working behind the barriers.
SH2 Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road (TELTR): Traffic management for the Tauranga City Council led Pāpāmoa East Interchange construction project has been removed until construction of the interchange itself starts in early 2024. More detail will be shared closer to the time. 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 June 2024, with one lane available in either direction. A temporary speed limit of 70km/h applies through the site. More information(external link).

Western Bay of Plenty

SH2 Waihī to Ōmokoroa: Lane shifts and speed reductions are in place at 2 intersections (Sharp Road and Lockington Road / Matahui Road) while testing activity and roundabout construction takes place. Road layout changes will occur as works progress. There will be intermittent stop/go traffic management which may cause longer delays, although typically there will be minor delays of one to two minutes.
The second chipseal coat on the Rea/Tetley, Morton Road and Lockington/Matahui roundabouts will take place overnight with stop/go traffic management in place which may cause longer delays. This work is weather dependent so may be postponed at short notice. More information(external link).
Western tie-in (near Loop Road): Construction continues at the western tie-in of the Takitimu North Link project where utilities need to be moved. SH2 will be reduced to 50km/h in the area during this work, and the passing lane heading west will be removed to allow the crews to work on the side of the road.
SH2 Wairoa Cycleway: The Tauranga City Council cycleway construction continues with the finalising of traffic lights and line marking. The cycleway is due to be completed in early December 2023.
SH33 Paengaroa: Road rebuilding is ongoing on a northbound uphill slow lane south of Paengaroa. Stop/go traffic management and a temporary speed limit will be in place until late December, with work taking place between 6am and 6pm. Delays are expected.

Rotorua

SH30A Amohau Street: Road resurfacing takes place between Ranolf Street and Fenton Street from Sunday 26 November. Work will take place between 8pm and 5am each night, for approximately one week. During work hours the road will be closed, HPMV are required to detour via SH5 and SH30, light vehicles can use Ranolf Street, Malfroy Road and Fenton Street.
SH30 Eastern Corridor Stage Two: There are multiple active worksites on SH30 / Te Ngae Road between Iles Road and Ōwhata Road. In places there is stop/go, lane shifts and shoulder closures, temporary pedestrian crossings, footpath closures, and/or reduced speed limits. Nighttime road closures will be in place from 8pm Sunday 3 December to 5am Friday 8 December (5 nights) for road resurfacing. Closures will take place between 8pm and 5am each night, during this time through traffic will be diverted via Vaughan Road. Minor traffic delays are expected. Access for local residents and businesses will be maintained at all times. More information(external link).
SH33 Ōkere Falls: Road rebuilding continues at an 800m section of road north of Ōkere Falls. Stop/go traffic management and a temporary speed limit will be in place until late December, with work taking place between 6am and 6pm, Monday to Saturday. Delays are expected.
SH30 Ruato Bay: Road rebuilding continues until early December. During this time stop/go traffic management and a temporary speed limit will be in place between 7am and 6pm each weekday. Delays are expected, particularly when machinery is being moved across the road.
SH33 Te Ngae Junction to Paengaroa: Work on SH33 safety improvements are underway with contractors working on widening the corridor, installing safety barriers and improving draining. There are also rehabilitation works underway are various locations on the corridor. Temporary traffic management will be in place including stop/go, lane shifts and shoulder closures while these works are underway. Minor traffic delays are expected.
SH5 Waimangu: Work will start next week to repair a slip south of Tumunui, backfilling and stabilising the bank. Minor delays are expected, work is expected to be complete by mid-December.
SH38 Murupara: Resealing will be taking place between Waimangu and Murupara until Tuesday 5 December with stop/go traffic management is in place. Delays of up to 30 minutes can be expected.

Eastern Bay of Plenty

SH2 Waimana Gorge: Road rebuilding continues. Stop/go traffic management and a temporary speed limit will be in place during this time. Work will be complete by midday Friday 22 December.
SH2 Wainui to Ōpōtiki: Safety improvements between Parkinsons Road and Woodlands Road near Ōpōtiki continue. This work is expected to be complete in December 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.
SH2 Manganuku Bridge, Waioeka Gorge: A reduced speed limit of 30km/h for heavy vehicles will remain in place until further notice. Heavy vehicles must stick to the speed limit as those travelling at higher speeds will exert greater loads on the structure, which currently poses a significant risk.

Tairāwhiti Gisborne/Hawke’s Bay

SH5 Napier – Taupō: Progress continues at a number of slip sites at the Hawke’s Bay end of SH5. Stop/go traffic management is in place at various sites, along with temporary speed limits. The road is expected to be reinstated to two lanes throughout by Christmas.

Manawatū-Whanganui

SH1 Taihape north: Road rebuilding has been completed. A temporary speed limit of 30km/h remains until Wednesday 29 November for guardrail installation to be completed.
SH1 Utiku: A ‘slow slip’ has resulted in cracking between Micklesons Road and Utiku South Road. A 30km/h temporary speed limit is in place through the area, along with a temporary re-alignment and narrowing of traffic lanes.
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.

Waikato

East Waikato

SH2 Mangatarata: Road rebuilding began Monday 20 November near Coxhead Road. Stop/go traffic management is in place between 8am and 5pm Monday to Friday. Minor delays are expected. Work is expected to be complete by mid-December.
SH25: Recovery works are underway at a number of sites, with temporary traffic management such as lane closures and stop/go along with reduced speed limits in place where required. This currently includes Wharekaho, Coroglen and Ruamahunga. More information.(external link)
SH25A Kōpū-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. Work to construct a bridge over the slip area is underway, and the bridge is expected to open by Wednesday 20 December. Additional works are taking place across SH25A while the road is closed, and some traffic management may stay in place where maintenance activity is ongoing. More information(external link).
SH2 Paeroa: Road resurfacing on SH2 will commence Sunday 26 November for 5 nights. Overnight road closures are required for this work with traffic management in place from 8pm to 5am, the road will be open during the day with a temporary speed limit. The nighttime detour is via SH26 (Arney Street) and Station Road. This work is weather dependent.
SH26 Morrinsville: Work to resurface the road between Thames Street and Allen Street intersections will commence from 6pm Sunday 3 December until 6am Friday 8 December. The repair work will require a full closure of the road day and night between these times. Detours are available. Access for residents and businesses will be maintained, as will access for emergency services.

Central Waikato

SH1 Lichfield: The northbound slow lane near Puriri Road is closed until further notice, while investigations take place into repair options.
SH1 Ātiamuri: Temporary steel barriers have been installed nearby from Ātiamuri village to Ohakuri Road and a temporary speed restriction of 50km/h applies ahead of construction starting on safety barrier installation. More information(external link).
SH1 Tuahu: Road rehabilitation continues and is expected to be complete by early December. Other maintenance and renewals activities will take place when the road is closed. More information(external link).
SH1 Maroa Road: Daytime stop/go traffic management is in place on weekdays along with a temporary speed restriction, while finishing works and final surfacing are completed by Christmas.
SH1 Hatepe: Road rebuilding re-starts Monday 27 November at a site north of Hatepe. Stop/go traffic management will be in place between 6am and 6pm, Monday to Saturday. Work is expected to be complete by mid-December.
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.
SH5 Iwitahi (Napier/Taupo Road): Road rehabilitation continues and is expected to be complete by mid-December. Stop/go traffic management and temporary speed limits will be in place at all active worksites. Delays are to be expected.

West Waikato

SH1 Waikato Expressway - Ngāruawāhia section: Safety improvements and remedial works require the closure of a single lane in each direction with a 50km/h temporary speed limit, until completion. Major southbound surfacing works in November and December will need a block of night closures and detours for approximately 5 weeks. The closures, from Sunday to Thursday each week, run until Thursday 21 December, 7pm to 5am each night. The detour is via SH1B Gordonton Road. Light traffic can turn off at Lake Road to re-join SH1 at the Northern Interchange. Heavy vehicles must use SH1B, including the local road detour at Telephone Road, and connect to SH1 again at Cambridge or via SH26 into Hillcrest. More information(external link).
SH26 Hillcrest: Road resurfacing takes place from Monday 27 November, for three nights, SH26 will be closed each night between 8pm and 5am, with a detour via Wairere Drive and Ruakura Road for all vehicles.
SH1 Karāpiro (Keeley’s Reserve): The bulk of the work has wrapped up on the turnaround bay at Keeley’s Reserve in Karāpiro. The reserve has reopened to the public and the turnaround bay can be used. Due to a nation-wide shortage, the streetlighting system is yet to be installed and this will be completed just prior to Christmas or in early 2024. More information(external link).
SH3 Ōhaupō: The Waipā District Council led Ōhaupō village pedestrian safety improvements are underway and are expected to take 6 months to complete. During this time lane shifts and stop/go traffic management will be in place, along with temporary speed limits.
SH3 Kihikihi: A right turn bay is being built on SH3 Kihikihi to allow easier access to McAndrew St. From 7am to 5pm daily there will be no access to McAndrew St from SH3 and Stop/Go traffic management may be in place on the state highway. Work will be complete by Thursday 21 December.
SH3 Waitomo: Road rebuilding continues at a site near the Big Apple, north of the SH37 Waitomo Caves roundabout. Stop/go traffic management will be in place between 6am and 8pm, and from Monday 27 November this will switch to 24-hour stop/go for approximately two weeks. A temporary speed limit will be in place, work is expected to be complete by mid-December.
SH31 Kāwhia: Road resealing is taking place, with stop/go traffic management between 6am and 8pm each weekday. This work is weather dependent. Minor delays are expected when sealing is taking place.
SH30 Te Kūiti: Due to a slip, priority give-way is in place near Mangaokewa Road, motorists are advised to proceed with caution.

North Waikato

SH1 Waikato Expressway – Rangiriri section: Remedial works requiring various interchange ramp closures continue into next week. SH1 traffic is being managed through the site with a temporary speed restriction of 50km/h. Current work on the southbound lanes means the Rangiriri off-ramp is closed. All southbound traffic leaving the expressway at Rangiriri needs to use the Te Kauwhata off-ramp. Late next week all lanes are expected to reopen with a 70km/h speed restriction.
SH1 Bombay interchange to Nikau Road: There will be a full southbound closure on Wednesday 29 November between 9pm and 5am. Traffic will still be able to travel south using one of the northbound lanes.
SH1 Nikau Road to Pōkeno: There will be a full southbound closure on Tuesday 28 November between 9pm and 5am. Traffic will still be able to travel south using one of the northbound lanes.
SH1 Pōkeno to Mercer: There will be a full southbound closure on Monday 27 November between 10pm and 5am. Traffic will still be able to travel south using one of the northbound lanes.
SH1 Mercer to Pōkeno: There will be a full northbound closure on Sunday 26 November between 10pm and 5am. Traffic will still be able to travel north using one of the southbound lanes.
SH1 Pōkeno (between Dean Road and Great South Road): There will be a full southbound closure on Thursday 30 November between 9pm and 5am. Please use SH1 Dean Road southbound off-ramp and travel along Great South Road to get back on SH1 using Great South Road, Pōkeno southbound on-ramp.
SH1 Island Block Road to Dragway Road: There will be southbound lane restrictions on Wednesday 29 November between 9pm and 5am. Traffic will still be able to travel south under traffic management supervision.
SH2 Maramarua: Chipsealing continues until early December. Stop/go traffic management and a temporary speed limit will be in place between 9pm and 5am at each worksite. More information(external link).

Taranaki

SH3 Awakino: Final surfacing commences on Monday 20 November. Stop/go traffic management will be in place, with delays of up to 15 minutes expected. Work is expected to be complete by the end of March 2024.
SH3 Mt Messenger: Slip debris removal work takes place between Monday 20 and Wednesday 22 November, between 5pm and 5am each night. Stop/go traffic management and a temporary speed limit will be in place during this time. Delays of up to 15 minutes are expected.
SH3 Uruti: Rock mesh slip protection work north of Mangamaio Road continues. Stop/go and stop/stop traffic management will be in place 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, along with a 30km/h temporary speed restriction until Christmas. Delays of up to 30 minutes are expected.
SH3 Te Ara Tutohu Waitara to Bell Block: Due to safety improvement works, there is stop/go traffic management with a 30km/h speed limit in place 24/7. Allow for delays of up to 15 minutes.

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.