SH1 between Tūrangi and Waiouru (including the Desert Road) reopened on 14 March 2025. During the two-month closure NZTA contractors rebuilt and repaired 28 lane kilometres of road, 12 lane kms more than originally planned, and completely rebuilt the deck of the Mangatoetoenui Bridge, located 23 km south of Rangipō.
Contractors will need to return 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.
