Waikato/Bay of Plenty state highway works for January/February 2024

26 January 2024 9:28 am | Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency

Another busy weekend is on the cards, with people travelling around the motu for Auckland Anniversary weekend, making the most of one of the last opportunities for a road-trip before the school year gets underway.

Roger Brady, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Acting Regional Manager Maintenance and Operations, says road crews have been busy this summer to make long-weekend travel smooth and easy.

“The settled weather we’ve enjoyed recently has allowed our road crews to make great progress across the state highway network. They’ve been working extremely hard to fix issues, make improvements and get ahead of preventative maintenance, so your journey is a safe and enjoyable one,” says Mr Brady.

“They’ll be taking a well-earned break and finishing work for the long weekend at midday on Friday, before returning on Tuesday morning. While there may be lower speed limits across some work sites, you’ll be able to get to your destination without long delays.”

People travelling through the eastern Bay of Plenty can cross a refreshed Pekatahi Bridge on State Highway 2 this afternoon. Work is finishing this morning to install a new section of handrail and replace a number of decking planks.

“Our contractors are working tirelessly to finish the works on Pekatahi Bridge before the long weekend. This critical bridge will open at midday and people heading to the holiday hotspots of Ōhope, Ōpōtiki and beyond will have one less thing to worry about.

“Crews will be hard at it again next week, getting through the massive summer works programme, some of which will result in road closures and detours. This includes closures on State Highway 1 between Tūrangi and Taupō from 30 January to 2 February, SH1 Desert Road from 11 February for 5 weeks, and State Highway 29 Hinuera from 7 February for 3 weeks.

“The best advice for everyone planning their summer roadie, is to check NZTA’s Journey Planner journeys.nzta.govt.nz before you go. It has the best information about current road and traffic conditions.

“Drive safe, and have a great long weekend,” says Mr Brady.

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. Takitimu North Link project(external link)
Cambridge/Moffat Roads: Construction work to complete the new Cambridge Road Overbridge, between Bethlehem and Tauriko continues. Until April 2024, major works require a full closure of a section of Moffat Road between Tauranga Adventist School and Cambridge Road (East). This is disruptive, there are local alternative routes for light vehicles, and heavy trucks can use SH29/Takitimu Drive Toll Road. Cambridge Road project updates(external link)
SH2 Bay Link: People travelling between Baypark and Bayfair will continue to see several road and lane closures at night. From Tuesday 30 January to Friday 2 February road closures will apply on Owens Place, Truman Lane, SH2/Tauranga Eastern Link and at Bayfair roundabout between 8.30pm and 6am each night. 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. Baypark to Bayfair Link - traffic notices(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) Shared Path: The shared path alongside SH2 is diverted until May 2024. Over the coming months there will be an increase in heavy plant and machinery in the area. The safety of crew and the public is a priority, and the best way to ensure the safety of all parties is to temporarily close the shared path to cyclists and pedestrians. An alternative option for path users is available via Kaituna Road and Te Tumu Road.
SH2 Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road (TELTR): The TELTR will close in both directions between 8pm and 6am each night for 2 nights starting Monday 19 February to allow for the installation of the watermain to the underneath of the Rangiuru Bridge. A detour will be available via the Te Puke Highway. The Pāpāmoa East Interchange(external link) (Tauranga City Council). The Quayside Properties Ltd led Rangiuru Business Park Interchange project continues. Temporary barriers 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. Interchange commences at the Rangiuru Business Park(external link)
Tauranga CBD local roads – One Love Festival: Over 20,000 people are set to head to Tauranga for the One Love music festival. City centre road closures will be in place over the weekend to keep road users, pedestrians, and event goers safe. Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra travel time.

Western Bay of Plenty

SH2 Waihī to Ōmokoroa: Roundabout construction continues at Sharp Road with significant activity on the northbound lanes with speed restrictions, there will be intermittent stop/go traffic management in place which may cause longer delays. A speed limit of 50km/h will be in place. In the Athenree Gorge, near Athenree Road, shoulder widening has started and there will be lane shifts in place with speed restrictions. At Apata Curves, road widening works is underway with lane shifts in place and stop/go traffic management.
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 Bethlehem to Athenree: Resealing will start in the coming weeks at a number of locations on SH2 between Bethlehem and Waihī. Night works will start at the Wairoa Bridge and then continue through to Katikati, delays are expected. Day works will then start on the Athenree rest area and work back towards Woodland Road.
SH2 Te Puke Highway to Otamarakau: Side barrier and guardrail installation continues until Tuesday 30 January. There will be stop/go traffic management between 6am and 7pm during this time. Detours are not required for these works.

Rotorua

SH5 Ngongotahā: Chipsealing is underway between Western Road and the Ngongotahā roundabout from Tuesday 30 January until Thursday 1 February. Crews will be operating between 9am and 4pm daily. A southbound road closure will be in place on SH5 between Western Road and Ngongotahā roundabout during each workday. Temporary traffic management and a reduced speed limit will be in place. A detour will be available to southbound traffic on SH5 via Western Road, SH36 and the SH5/36 Ngongotahā Roundabout. HPMV Vehicles travelling south should detour via SH1 Tīrau, SH30 and SH5.
SH36 Kaharoa: Road rehabilitation has started between Kaharoa Road and Te Waerenga Road. The work will continue between the hours of 7am and 5pm each day until Friday 2 February, with traffic management and speed restrictions in place. People should expect moderate delays.
SH5 Rotorua: Due to water main upgrades, lane closures will be in place between Malfroy and Devon Streets until Wednesday 31 January. Minor delays are expected.
SH30 Eastern Corridor Stage One: Nightworks are underway between Tarawera Road and Iles Road, with line marking between 7pm and 6am. This includes limit lines, fire hydrant/valve markings along the road and through the intersection. Temporary traffic management will be in place including short-term lane closures, road closures, shoulder closures and temporary speed restrictions while the work is undertaken and drying. We expect this work to be completed by mid-February.
SH30 Eastern Corridor Stage Two: Work is underway on the remaining section of road between Ōwhata Roundabout and Tumene Drive. Works will include surface milling, asphalting and stormwater connections in the westbound lane. Multiple active worksites may include stop/go, lane shifts and shoulder closures, temporary pedestrian crossings, footpath closures, and/or reduced speed limits. Access for local residents and businesses will be maintained at all times. SH30 Eastern Corridor – Stage Two project updates(external link)
SH33 Te Ngae Junction to Paengaroa: The team have returned to continue working on multiple sites along this section of state highway. Work includes widening of the road corridor, installing safety barriers and improving drainage. Temporary traffic management is in place including stop/go, lane shifts, shoulder closures and reduced speed limits. Minor traffic delays are expected. SH33 Te Ngae Junction to Paengaroa project updates(external link)

Eastern Bay of Penty

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 adhere to the speed limit as those travelling at higher speeds will exert greater loads on the structure, which currently poses a significant risk.

Manawatū-Whanganui

SH1 Utiku: The site is being actively monitored, and an altered road layout with various traffic management and a 30km/h temporary speed restriction is in place.
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 3 new retaining walls north of the main slip area are ongoing.

Waikato

East Waikato

SH2 Karangahake Gorge: Through the gorge the 600m section between Crown Hill Road and School Road has had its speed reduced temporarily from 80km/h to 50km/h. This section of the highway includes the entrance to the Karangahake Reserve, which is the starting point for many of the popular walks in the historic gorge. The temporary speed limit will be in place until after Waitangi Day. Cruisy holiday journeys on State Highway 2 this summer
SH25 – Coromandel: Recovery works are ongoing at a number of sites across the peninsula, with temporary traffic management in place. This currently includes works to stabilise the large slip sites at Ruamahunga Bay, Pumpkin Hill, and Wharekaro. The road will be reduced to a single lane under stop/go traffic management with stop/stop traffic management as required.
SH25 Otakeao Stream Bridge: A routine bridge inspection will be undertaken on Tuesday 30 January, from 5am – 7am. To allow the crews to inspect the bridge safely, there will be a single lane closure and stop/go traffic management will be in place. This is expected to only cause minor delays.
SH26 Waihou River Bridge: A routine bridge inspection will be undertaken on Sunday 4 February, from 8pm – 12am (midnight). To allow the crews to inspect the bridge safely, there will be a single lane closure and stop/go traffic management will be in place. This is expected to only cause minor delays.
SH26 Ohinemuri River Bridge: A routine bridge inspection will be undertaken on Sunday 4 February, from 8pm – 12am (midnight). To allow the crews to inspect the bridge safely, there will be a single lane closure and stop/go traffic management will be in place. This is expected to only cause minor delays.

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: Road widening is under way for safety barrier installation along a 6.9km section of SH1, from the Waikato River Bridge south to Thorpe Road. Work is behind temporary safety barriers and there is a 50km/h speed restriction. From Tuesday 30 January until early March there will be stop/go operating 24/7 at a narrow section where safety barriers cannot be used. Expect delays of up to 5 minutes. People should consider alternative routes.
SH1 Maroa Road: The 4.8km site is currently operating at 100km/h until finishing works for the safety barrier installation resume at the end of January under speed restrictions and stop/go traffic management.
SH1 East Taupō Arterial: Road widening and flexible safety barrier installation for 5km from Napier Road to the airport roundabout continues. Speed restrictions will be in place with completion expected to be mid-2024. East Taupō Arterial safety improvement work getting back underway soon(external link)
SH5 Wairakei: Road rehabilitation near Dick’s Hill and Palmer Mill Road is taking place in 2 stages:
- Dick’s Hill - ongoing until mid-February. Work will take place Monday to Saturday between 6am and 6pm with stop/go traffic management in place with temporary speed limits. Outside of these hours both lanes will be open with reduced speed limits.
- Palmer Mill Road - will start on Monday 19 February and run until mid-March. Work will take place from Monday to Saturday between 6am and 6pm with stop/go traffic management will be in place with temporary speed limits. Outside of these hours both lanes will be open with reduced speed limits.
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 Halletts Bay: Upcoming roadworks on SH1 near Halletts Bay, between Taupō and Tūrangi, is scheduled to take place between Tuesday 30 January and Saturday 3 February, weather dependent. Stop/go traffic management will be in place at the worksite between 7am-9am and 2.30pm-7pm each workday, with the road closed between 9am and 2.30pm on these days. As the worksite is located at a narrow section of road, there is no room for both machinery and vehicles side by side. The only option is to close the road for periods of time to complete the work. A detour will be in place: North to Taupō via SH41, SH32 and Poihipi Road. North to Rotorua via SH41, SH32, SH30 and SH5. North to Hamilton via SH41, SH32 and SH1. All routes are in reverse to head south. State Highway 1 to close alongside Lake Taupō for crucial work(external link)
SH4 Makatote: Road rehabilitation continues at the Makatote Viaduct between National Park and Tohunga Junction. This work is expected to be completed by Tuesday 30 January, weather dependent. There will be stop/go traffic management on Saturday 27 and Tuesday 30 January, between 6am – 6pm. SH4 roadworks – drivers urged to plan ahead(external link)
SH1 Desert Road – stop/go: Road construction on the Desert Road on two sites at Oturere and Puketarata continues until mid-February. Stop/go traffic management is in place between 6am and 6pm, along with a temporary speed limit. Minor delays are expected.
SH1 Desert Road – night closures: Pavement rehabilitation night work on multiple areas on SH1 along the Desert Road which will require road closures. Work will begin at 6pm Sunday 11 February and will take approximately 5 weeks to complete (weather permitting). Between 6pm and 6am, Sunday to Thursday nights, SH1 will be closed between Waiouru and Rangipo. There will be a detour in place via SH46, SH47, SH4 and SH49, back to SH1 and vice versa. This detour is expected to add approximately half an hour to the journey time. Outside these hours (including all day on Friday and Saturday) both lanes will be open with reduced speed limits.

West Waikato

SH1 Waikato Expressway - Ngāruawāhia section: Safety improvements and remedial works have resumed, along with nighttime detours.There is a block of closures, Sunday to Thursday each week, running until early February. There will be detours in place, 7pm-5am each night, on the following dates: Southbound: 30 January to 1 February. Northbound: 4, 6, 7 and 8 February. The detours are different for each direction due to roadworks in Ngāruawāhia town which prevent southbound highway traffic using this route as a detour.
- The northbound detour takes SH1 traffic via Ngāruawāhia on the old highway between the Horotiu and Gordonton Road interchanges. HPMVs must use SH1B, and overweight vehicles need to use SH2/27, under an existing overweight permit.
- The Southbound detour traffic will use SH1B, re-joining SH1 via Lake Road, however heavy vehicles (50 tonnes and above) must continue on SH1B, including the local road detour around Telephone Road, and connect to SH1 again at Cambridge or via SH26 into Hamilton. Ngāruawāhia night-time works ahead (external link)
SH1/SH29 Piarere Intersection: Contractors are setting up site, including constructing the access road, drainage works and installing environmental controls. Temporary traffic management is in place, including shoulder closures and lane shifts, please follow the instructions of the team on site and any temporary traffic signage. Traffic delays are expected during construction in this area and an increase of vehicle movements including truck and trailers carting material to site. SH1/SH29 intersection project updates(external link)
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 nationwide shortage, the streetlighting system is yet to be installed, this will be completed in February. Key safety work continues on SH1 at Keeley’s Reserve, Karāpiro(external link)
SH1 Karāpiro: Work is underway on a section of SH1 between Keeley’s Reserve and Moana Roa Road in preparation for median barrier being installed in early 2024. The main construction work involves 1.5km of shoulder widening, temporary barrier installation, earthworks and pavement construction, followed by surfacing, lighting and permanent barrier installation. During the majority of the construction the slow (left-hand) lane of the southbound passing lane between Keeley’s Reserve and Moana Roa Road will be closed, and the worksite will be under a temporary speed limit of 50km/h. Access in and out of Kentucky Road will remain open. Construction is expected to be finished by late June.
SH1 Karāpiro (Gorton Road): The construction of a turnaround bay at Gorton Road started this week and will be followed another by Tunakawa Road approximately 5 weeks later. While construction crews are onsite, there will be no right turn onto Gorton Road (Monday to Friday, 24/7). This means that southbound traffic wanting to access Gorton Road will need to travel to the new turnaround bay at Keely’s Reserve to change direction. This will add around 4-6 minutes to your journey. The right turn in will reopen during the weekends and on public holidays. The left turn onto Gorton Road and left and right turn onto SH1 will remain for the duration of construction, with a stop sign rule applied. SH1 Karāpiro safety improvements hitting high gear(external link)
SH3 Ōhaupō: The Waipā District Council led Ōhaupō Village pedestrian safety improvements are underway and are expected to be complete by late February. During this time lane shifts and stop/go traffic management will be in place, along with temporary speed limits.
SH30 Te Kūiti: Due to a slip, priority give-way is in place near Mangaokewa Road, motorists are advised to proceed with caution.
SH30 Kōpaki: Preparation for underslip repairs on SH30 south of Kōpaki continue, with work to create a shoulder area to allow vehicles to safely pass the worksite. Works are expected to last for one week, and there will be stop/go traffic management in place between 7am and 5pm. During this time, there may be delays of up to 20mins. The road will re-open in both directions at 5pm with a shoulder closure in place. Further work to repair the under-slip itself, will begin on 7 February and is expected to be completed by the end of February.

North Waikato

SH1 Pioneer Road to Mercer: There will be a full southbound closure on Wednesday 31 January and Sunday 4 February between 10pm and 5am for road surface repairs. Traffic will still be able to travel south using one of the northbound lanes.
SH2 Between Kopuku Road and Coalfields Road: Stop/go traffic management will be in place on Tuesday 30 and Wednesday 31 January between 9pm and 5am for stormwater maintenance.
SH2 Koheroa Road overbridge (local road): Stop/go traffic management will be in place on Tuesday 30 and Wednesday 31 January between 9pm and 5am for lighting maintenance.  There will also be lane restrictions on SH2 under the bridge, however traffic will still be able to travel in both directions.

Taranaki

SH3 Awakino: Final surfacing continues. 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
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. Delays of up to 30 minutes are expected.
SH3 Te Ara Tutohu Waitara to Bell Block: Due to ongoing safety improvement work SH3 is closed between Nelson Street and Bayly Street until 2 February 2024. The road is closed to both lanes of traffic at all times, with a detour in place through Waitara. Stretch of SH3 at Waitara to close for Te Ara Tūtohu safety improvement work(external link)
SH4 Paroparowhero Culvert Replacement: Work to repair damage from heavy rainfall on SH4 north of Taumarunui, between the intersection of SH43 and Okahukura Bridge Road will continue until June 2024. The repair work involves a temporary lane to maintain traffic flow under 24/7 e-light stop/go controls, while crews install a 3.5 x 4 metre box culvert. Road users are asked to plan ahead for delays of up to 15 minutes in this area.

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 NZTA Journey Planner website:

journeys.nzta.govt.nz (external link)

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

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