2017 Programme Business Case (PBC) process and recommended programme
The PBC looked at options for improving the SH1 corridor between Taupō and Waiouru over the next 30 years.
The recommended programme prioritised online safety and resilience investment, plus a new alignment of Hatepe Hill to Motuoapa (or similar) and looked at a long-term realignment and/or new infrastructure between Rangipo and Desert Road summit. The recommended programme incorporates a mix of both infrastructure and non-infrastructure improvements.
Waka Kotahi worked with key stakeholders to identify problems and work through potential solutions.
SH1 Taupō to Waiouru Programme Business Case (2017) [PDF, 2.9 MB]
A simplified version of the PBC and the resulting recommended programme was produced.
SH1 Taupo to Waiouru recommended programme [PDF, 592 KB]
The PBC was developed concurrently with the SH1 Piarere to Taupō PBC, recognising end-to-end journeys between Wellington and the upper North Island travel along both parts of this route and that issues and opportunities facing one part can have impacts on the other.
SH1 Piarere to Taupō – safe roads and roadsides [SWF, 1.9 MB]
2020 Indicative Business Case (IBC)
Following the 2017 PBC, the IBC, published in 2020, provided further detail about how the shorter-term online options recommended in the 2017 PBC could be pursued.
Initially it was intended that this work would be completed as a Detailed Business Case (DBC) – ready for swift implementation. During its development, funding for implementation became limited and it was decided it would be carried out as an IBC.
The final version of the IBC is available:
SH1 Taupō to Waiouru Programme Business Case (2020) [PDF, 198 MB]
Note: some of the recommendations in the IBC have not progressed due to changes in priorities and funding.
Resilience work to Bulli Point
Various road maintenance activities, including the installation of a roadside culvert, the construction of retaining walls on both sides of Bulli Point to protect against subsidence, and asphalt resurfacing along 2.2km of the highway, were carried out in 2020.
As part of the SH1 Taupō to Waiouru IBC, a recommended option to construct an online full-length wall and minor strengthening on SH1 was approved in 2020. The scope of the work included local realignment of SH1 towards the lake to improve the alignment and safety past Te Poporo. While the design is complete, further refinements are required on the treatment of stormwater. Funding for this project will be considered as part of the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme.
