Busy intersections, speed and roadside hazards like power poles and ditches cause safety issues on the road. There were 178 crashes on this route between 2014 and 2023. Six people died and 32 people were seriously injured. Many of these crashes happened at intersections or involved drivers running off the road and hitting trees, power poles and deep ditches. There have also been head-on and side-on crashes.
Traffic is increasing on this part of SH3 which is causing delays, particularly for commuters. Anticipated residential and business growth in the area is expected to increase traffic which will create more congestion and make it difficult for drivers to get on the highway.
To make the road safer and prepare it for population growth we’re constructing new roundabouts at four key intersections, installing flexible median barrier, realigning some local roads, and making other minor safety improvements.
Find out more about the Te Ara Tūtohu: Waitara to Bell Block project, related projects and safety improvements below.
