Work on Te Ara Tūtohu: SH3 Waitara to Bell Block first began in 2015 when a programme business case was developed in consultation with key stakeholders.
Following this, in 2016, work started on a Detailed Business Case (DBC) for the SH3A to Bell Block section of the project and a Single Stage DBC for the Waitara to Mahoetahi Road section. Following consultation with key stakeholders and the wider community these business cases were finalised in August 2018 and October 2018, respectively.
In November 2018, the government confirmed it would invest $29 million towards safety improvements on the corridor.
$29 million for safety improvements to SH3(external link)
In early 2019, with this budget allocated, NZTA began making safety improvements to the route that did not require a complex design – such as removing the northbound passing lane near Richmond Road. In 2021, wide centrelines were installed.
In May 2021, we announced the roundabout concepts developed as part of the 2018 business case were being refined after it was identified that they would take several years to progress due to the significant land, stormwater infrastructure and funding requirements associated with them. Refining the concepts was necessary to speed up construction. The refined concepts were released in October 2021.
An additional $53 million was approved by the NZTA board in July 2021 to deliver the roundabout improvements.
Green light for SH3 Waitara to Bell Block intersection and safety improvements
In 2022, stormwater infrastructure was installed on SH3. This was needed before construction on the roundabout and pedestrian underpass at the SH3/Princess Street intersection could progress.
In March 2023, construction started on the SH3/Princess Street roundabout and pedestrian underpass – construction was completed in July 2024.
Construction on improvements at the SH3/Waitara Road intersection began in May 2024 and is due to be completed in late 2025.
Construction on the De Havilland Drive roundabout is expected to start in mid-2025.
Work to complete the investigations and design for the SH3A roundabout, as well as to gain consents, is underway. Further funding may be needed to construct the roundabout.
