Many state highways around the upper North Island were significantly damaged by weather events in early 2023. NZTA is committed to reconnecting people and communities.
North Island state highway recovery and rebuild
SH1 Brynderwyn Hills suffered significant damage from severe weather events in early 2023, resulting in severe underslips and overslips.
This project aims to reduce the number of flood related closures on a low-lying section of SH1 near the Kakanui River just south of Oamaru. With no practical alternative route available, these closures cause serious disruptions on the main road freight corridor between Canterbury and Otago.
SH1 Kakanui flood protection improvements project
A major slip in April 2017 left SH3 through the Manawatū Gorge impassable. A new road will be built over the Ruahine Range, to provide a safe, resilient, and efficient route between Woodville and Ashhurst. The new highway is due for completion by the middle of 2025.
Te Ahu a Turanga - Manawatū Tararua Highway project
State Highway 25A Taparahi between Kōpū and Hikuai suffered significant damage with the road collapsing after the North Island’s major storm event in late January 2023. The road was closed while a new bridge is built, and reopened on 20 December 2023.
SH25A Taparahi rebuild project
These webpages provide information about Milford Road and the unique environment that Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is working within to maintain this solitary road link to Milford Sound Piopiotahi.
We want to improve the resilience of six high-priority South Island corridors that are vulnerable to natural disasters; this will make our transport network stronger and better prepared in case of major disruption.
South Island resilience project
In July 2020 the Government announced a $29 million project to improve the safety and resilience of the Homer Tunnel on SH94 between Te Anau and Piopiotahi Milford Sound.
Homer Tunnel safety improvements project
The replacement of the SH26 Kirikiri Stream bridge and upgrade of the nearby SH26–SH25A intersection will reduce the impact of flooding in the area during heavy rain.
