SH1 Cambridge to Piarere safety improvements

The programme of safety improvements including around 15km of flexible median barriers and 5 turnaround bays is now complete on SH1 between Cambridge and Piarere.

The project began in 2020. As well as saving lives and preventing crash trauma, these upgrades will result in fewer crashes which will mean the state highway is more efficient and can support productivity and economic growth in Waikato.

The road widening, turnarounds and median barriers, along with the roundabout at the SH1/SH29 intersection and improved lighting, is making this section of SH1 much safer.

Stage 1 was completed in December 2020, with 2.5km of flexible median safety barrier installed from south of Fergusson Gully Road.

Stage 2 followed, with the installation of 5.2km of flexible median barrier from the unnamed reserve to 1km north of Maungatautari Road towards Piarere. The remaining 2.5km of flexible median barrier from Keeley's Reserve through to just past Kentucky Road was completed in June this year.

August 2024 marked the conclusion of Stage 3, which included 7.9km of flexible median barrier in sections from the end of the Waikato Expressway through to Fergusson Gully Road. This stage also included the construction of 5 turnaround bays.

Media release: Safety improvements wrapped on SH1 between Cambridge and Piarere

More than 20,000 vehicles travel this highway every day. Each crash has the potential to impact highway traffic flow for several hours. As well as save lives and prevent crash trauma, these upgrades will result in fewer crashes which will mean the highway is more efficient and can support productivity and economic growth in Waikato.