The Waikato Expressway improves safety and reliability and reduces travel times and congestion on SH1 by delivering a four-lane highway from the Bombay Hills to south of Cambridge. The expressway was built in seven sections, with the final section (Hamilton) completed in July 2022.
The Waikato Expressway is the key strategic transport corridor for the Waikato region, connecting Auckland to the agricultural and business centres of Waikato and Bay of Plenty. The Expressway improves economic growth and productivity through more efficient movement of people and freight.
Reduce travel times between Auckland and Tirau by 35 minutes.
Significantly reduce the number of fatal and serious injury crashes.
Increase the highway's capacity and passing opportunities.
Reduce traffic congestion within smaller communities like Huntly, Ngaruawahia and Cambridge.
Reduce fuel costs and contribute to economic growth.
The Waikato Expressway is made up of seven separate projects.
