As the end of March signals the close of the traditional construction season, there’s an opportunity to reflect on an epic summer of work.

“With most renewal activities wrapping up, contractors are on a final push to complete as much work as weather and time allows,” said Sandra King, Bay of Plenty System Manager at NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).

‘When crews started the hefty Waikato and Bay of Plenty resealing and rebuilding programme, 500 lane kilometres was the target, and we remain optimistic we’ll be able to reach it.

“We’ve had stunning weather this summer — perfect conditions for the work that needed to take place, which is great news for motorists.

“We need warm, dry weather to get through it all — winter is too wet, and water has a significant impact on our roads.

“Everything we do now will help us keep the network safe and accessible over winter,” King said.

Road users are reminded to check the NZTA Journey Planner website for the latest road conditions across the state highway network.

Bay of Plenty

Tauranga

The on-ramp connecting SH29/Takitimu Drive Toll Road to SH2, heading up to Fifteenth Ave will be closed for 3 weeks. Works to extend two culverts, relocate services and complete earthworks before road widening to two lanes will be undertaken as part of the Takitimu North Link Stage 1 project. Until Sunday, April 13, traffic will be detoured via SH2 to Elizabeth St roundabout, via Eleventh Ave and Cameron Rd.

Western Bay of Plenty

Rotorua

Eastern Bay of Plenty

Waikato

SH1 between Tūrangi and Waiouru: SH1 between Tūrangi and Waiouru is open with no traffic management. We will be back next maintenance season to complete the final seal on this section.

SH1 Putāruru to Lichfield: SH1 is closed from SH1/Princes St, Putāruru to Vosper Rd/SH1 Lichfield intersection until early April for road rebuilding from Domain Rd to Pinedale Rd. All north and southbound vehicles are being detoured 24/7. The local detour for light vehicles (all vehicles you can drive on a regular car/Class 1 licence) is: Northbound via Vospers Rd, Kells Lane, Lichfield Rd, Golf St, Arapuni St, Princes St. Southbound via Princes St, Arapuni St, Grey St, Lichfield Rd, Vospers Rd. The detour adds about 16 minutes and 18.5km to journeys. The detour for heavy vehicles is via SH30/SH5. There is a temporary speed limit on the detour route at Putāruru of 70km/h and 30km/h speed limit past Lichfield School.

SH1 Ātiamuri to Wairakei: SH1 is closed from the SH1/SH30 intersection to the SH1/SH5 intersection (Wairakei roundabout) until early April for road rebuilding, maintenance and safety work. All north and southbound vehicles are being detoured 24/7. The detour for light vehicles (all vehicles you can drive on a regular car/Class 1 licence) is: SH30, SH32 and Poihipi Road to Wairakei Drive and vice versa. The detour for light vehicle adds about 23 minutes and 32km to journeys. All heavy vehicles traveling locally use SH5 via Rotorua, which will add 43 minutes to the journey.

East Waikato

Central Waikato

West Waikato

North Waikato

Manuwatū -Whanganui

Tairāwhiti Gisborne/Hawke’s Bay

Taranaki

The above information is accurate at the time of release. Many of the above works are dependent on a number of factors, particularly weather, and may be postponed at short notice.

For up-to-date information on road works, traffic, detours and delays, motorists are encouraged to visit the NZTA Journey Planner website (journeys.nzta.govt.nz).

NZTA thanks motorists for their patience while we complete this essential work to keep the state highway network safe, accessible and resilient.