Work was completed on SH1 between Ātiamuri Bridge and Wairakei roundabout on April 8, 2025, following a five-week closure for intensive road maintenance and rebuilding.
During the closure NZTA had three different contractors working within the zone. Downer completing approximately 12.7 lane kms of road repairs, rebuilding and resealing. Higgins completing $37 million dollars' worth of safety improvements, with over 11km of side and central safety barrier installed, as well as remedial works and final surfacing. MS Civil also completed additional maintenance.
The contractor will be returning next road maintenance season to complete the final surface on this section. Final surfacing is generally done up to 12 months after the initial chipseal surface has been laid to ensure it has bedded in properly. The programme for this work is still being confirmed but it is likely to be completed using stop/go, having one lane open, and/or nightworks.
We’d like to thank and acknowledge everyone who lives, works and plays down this section. Thank you for your patience and understanding while we completed this work. We know the disruption is frustrating, but it’ll be made worthwhile with a better-quality road that has less work on it in the future.
