Category: New Zealand Government Public Service

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

People travelling in Tasman and the West Coast are encouraged to keep an eye on weather and road conditions this weekend.

The MetService has weather warnings in place for both regions.

A Heavy Rain Warning is in place for Westland from midday Saturday through until 6 pm on Sunday. This will affect State Highway 6 between Hokitika and Haast.

A Heavy Rain Watch has also been issued for Tasman, west of Motueka, from 9 pm Saturday until 6 pm Sunday. This will affect State Highway 60 Tākaka Hill and Golden Bay.

Heavy rain increases the risks of slips, rockfalls, and localised flooding. It can also see roads closed at short notice

Wet roads can be slippery. Drivers must be alert and prepared for road hazards, and drive to the conditions. Increase following distances, avoid sudden braking, reduce speed, and use headlights if visibility is poor. Be safe, be seen.

Road users should also check road and weather conditions before they travel:

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Crews continue to tackle a significant programme of summer maintenance on State Highway 29 (SH29).

Work to rebuild and resurface the road across 9 sites began in October 2024, with 3 sites near Hanga Lane, Old Kaimai Road and Gargan Road now complete. 

Resurfacing got underway near Kaukumoutiti Stream Bridge last week, north of Soldiers Road, with 2 final night shifts required on Tuesday 28 and Wednesday 29 January.  

Works will take place between 7pm and 6am, with stop/go in place. There will be a reduced speed limit of 50km/h during the day. Some periods of stop/stop, of up to 30 minutes, will also be required to complete work within the narrow bridge area. People are advised to expect delays.  

Drainage and asphalt resurfacing work will get underway near McLaren Falls Road on Tuesday 28 January* to Tuesday 11 March (*this work was originally scheduled to start Monday 20 January). 

The drainage work will be carried out first, with work occurring during the day, Monday to Friday. 

Temporary traffic management will be in place including the closure of the entire passing lane starting at Poripori Road and finishing just after McLaren Falls Road (Monday to Friday only, opening at the weekends), plus a reduced speed limit of 50km/h through the site, and 30km/h at the intersection with McLaren Falls Road. 

Once drainage works are complete, asphalting is expected to get started in February and will involve lane closures, a reduced speed limit of 50km/h and periods of stop/go at night. 

Road users should be prepared for delays and allow extra time for their journeys. 

Further sites getting underway next week include chip sealing near Kaimai School (Tuesday 28 January), near Hanga Lane (Wednesday night) and near Ruahihi Road (Thursday night).  

Works at each site will take place across 1 night, between 7pm and 6am, with stop/go in place. There will be a reduced speed limit of 30km/h during the day. People are advised to expect delays.  

These will be followed by the next round of full Kaimai Range overnight closures.  

The Kaimai Range will see night closures (for all traffic) over 2 weeks, from Sunday 9 February to the morning of Friday 14 February (5 nights) and from Sunday 16 February to the morning of Friday 21 February (5 nights), between 8pm and 4.30am each night.  

During the day SH29 will be open but may be under a temporary speed restriction. 

The detours for this closure are significant and add considerable time to journeys. People are encouraged to check the NZTA Journey Planner and allow extra time for their journey, or if possible, delay travel over SH29 on these nights.   

The detour routes are:  

• South: SH28, SH5, SH30, SH33, SH2 via Rotorua  

North: SH24, SH27, SH26, SH2 via Karangahake Gorge

More information

Meanwhile resurfacing work on SH29, between Cambridge Road and the SH29/SH36 roundabout, is scheduled for late February and will include a 1-night full lane closure. Details will be provided closer to the time. 

Following this, resurfacing on the SH29 Toll Road is also scheduled for March 2025. 

These works form part of the government’s $2.07 billion investment into road and drainage renewal and maintenance across 2024-27 via the State Highway Pothole Prevention fund.  

Once complete, drivers will have smoother and safer journeys along this section of the SH29 corridor.  

People are encouraged to plan ahead and see where disruptive works are by using the NZTA Journey Planner. 

Journey Planner(external link)

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi advises of the following closures for motorway improvements. Work delayed by bad weather will be completed at the next available date, prior to Friday, 31 January 2025.

Please note this Traffic Bulletin is updated every Friday.

Daily updated closure information(external link)

Unless otherwise stated, closures start at 9pm and finish at 5am. Traffic management may be in place before the advertised closure times for the mainline.

NORTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)

• Southbound lanes between Orewa off-ramp and Silverdale on-ramp, 27 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am) 
  • Orewa southbound on-ramp, 27 January 
  • Millwater southbound on-ramp, 27 January 
• Northbound lanes between Silverdale off-ramp and Orewa on-ramp, 27 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am) 
  • Silverdale northbound on-ramp, 27 January 
• Northbound lanes between Northcote Road off-ramp and Constellation Drive on-ramp, 27 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am) 
  • Tristram Avenue northbound on-ramp, 27 January (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am) 
  • Northcote Road northbound on-ramp, 27 January (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am) 
• Southbound lanes between Tristram Avenue off-ramp and Northcote Road on-ramp, 27-30 January (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am) 
  • Tristram Avenue southbound on-ramp, 27-30 January 
• Northbound lanes between Onewa Road off-ramp and Northcote Road on-ramp, 28 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am) 
  • Esmonde Road (Diamond) northbound on-ramp, 28 January 
  • Esmonde Road (Loop) northbound on-ramp, 28 January 
  • Onewa Road northbound on-ramp, 28 January 
• Onewa Road northbound on-ramp, 29 January 
• Stafford Road northbound off-ramp, 29-30 January 
• Curran Street northbound on-ramp, 29-30 January 

CENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)

• None planned

SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)

• Northbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 27 January (approx 10:00pm to 5:00am) 
  • Drury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 27 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am) 
• Northbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 28-30 January 
  • Drury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 28-30 January  
• Southbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Ramarama on-ramp, 29-30 January 
  • Drury/SH22 southbound on-ramp, 29-30 January 
• Bombay northbound on-ramp, 27-30 January 
• Bombay northbound off-ramp, 27-30 January 
• Pokeno northbound off-ramp, 28 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am) 

NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)

• Southbound lanes between Foster and Trigg Road, 19 January (approx. 6:00pm to 6:00am)
• Northbound lanes between Trigg Road and Foster Road, 19 January (approx. 6:00pm to 6:00am)
• Southbound lanes between Waimauku roundabout and Trigg Rd, 20-23 January (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)
• Northbound lanes between Trigg Rd and Waimauku roundabout, 20-23 January (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)
• Southbound lanes between Access Road and Taupaki Road roundabout, 21 January
• Northbound lanes between Taupaki Road roundabout and Access Road, 21 January
• Te Atatu Road (Loop) southbound on-ramp, 20 January

UPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)

• None planned  

SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)

• Southbound lanes between Maioro Street off-ramp and Neilson Street on-ramp, 30 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am) 
  • Maioro Street southbound on-ramp, 30 January 
  • Dominion Road southbound on-ramp, 30 January
  • Hillsborough Road southbound on-ramp, 30 January  
  • Queenstown Road southbound on-ramp, 30 January 
• Northbound lanes between Neilson Street off-ramp and Maioro Street on-ramp, 29 January (approx. 10:30pm to 5:00am) 
  • Dominion Road northbound on-ramp, 29 January 
  • Hillsborough Road northbound on-ramp, 29 January 
  • Neilson Street northbound on-ramp, 29 January 
• Northbound lanes between Queenstown Road off-ramp and Dominion Road on-ramp, 27-28 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am) 
  • Hillsborough Road northbound on-ramp, 27-28 January 
• Neilson Street northbound off-ramp, 28 January 
• Rimu Road northbound on-ramp, 28 January 

GEORGE BOLT MEMORIAL DRIVE (SH20A)

• None planned

PUHINUI ROAD (SH20B)

• None planned

STATE HIGHWAY 22 (SH22)

• None planned

STATE HIGHWAY 2 (SH2)

• None planned

Please follow the signposted detours. NZ Transport Agency thanks you for your co-operation during these essential improvements and maintenance.

Current overnight closure information(external link)

Auckland roads and public transport(external link)

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Work gets underway onsite next week to prepare for the replacement of the 48-year-old Onetai Stream Bridge north of Paeroa on State Highway 26. A wider, stronger bridge will make this route on the eastern side of the Waihou River safer and more resilient.

Road users on SH26 between Paeroa and Kōpū will see NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) contractors on site from Tuesday 28 January to begin work.  There will be lane closures for the first 2 weeks, and then a full road closure for up to 4 weeks from Monday 10 February.

Regional Manager of Infrastructure Delivery (Acting), Darryl Coalter, says NZTA appreciates the closure will be disruptive.

“Onetai is a small bridge, and the road approaches are very narrow. Unfortunately, it is not practical to replace the bridge in stages, so the highway will need to be closed here while the old bridge is demolished, and its replacement is installed.

“Replacing bridges is always tricky and invariably involves some road closures, to ensure the work is done safely and efficiently – and within the available funding.

“In this location it isn’t possible to provide alternative access and we recognise the impact this closure will have on road users – particularly those from local communities, however it is vital that we do this work to ensure the resilience of this route by replacing this bridge which is at the end of its economic life,” Mr Coalter says.

The detour route will be via State Highway 2, Hauraki Road and State Highway 25 for northbound traffic and the reverse for southbound traffic (map below). The detour will not add duration to the trip for those travelling from Paeroa and Kōpu – however for those travelling from nearer to the closure site, for example between Hikutaia and Kōpū – a 12 minute trip will become 35 minutes.

“The project team considered a range of construction options and has developed an approach to get the work done as quickly as possible, using prefabricated bridge deck and other key components to speed construction,” Mr Coalter says.

The existing bridge was designed and constructed in 1976. Its 2025 replacement will be 3m wider giving drivers more lane space, and with additional safety features including a new type of side barrier (see graphic below).  Although bridges in New Zealand are generally built with concrete, this bridge will be built with a timber deck and bridge beams. Timber deck bridges are built successfully overseas and we are now piloting this approach in New Zealand.

NZTA thanks road users and especially the local community for their consideration while we do this work.

It’s advisable for road users to plan ahead using the NZTA Journey Planner. 

Journey Planner(external link)

People can also check out our latest newsletters and subscribe here:

SH25/SH25A Thames-Coromandel

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) will be kicking off chipsealing on State Highway 10 near Waipapa from the end of next week.

Three sites are planned for chipsealing:

• South of Waimate North Rd
• Between the Waipekakoura River and Kahikatearoa Ln
• At Pungaere Rd

All work will be carried out at night under stop/go traffic management to minimise disruption for road users, with each site scheduled to take one night. Temporary speed limits and traffic management will remain in place the following day to guide traffic over the new seal and help to embed it successfully.

It’s important to slow down through newly sealed sections of road because small chips can be flicked up from the road surface and damage vehicles – especially windscreens. That’s why we often keep temporary speed limits in place even after it looks like the work has been completed. As well as safety, the temporary speed limit also helps ensure the quality of the reseal. Travelling at the posted temporary speed limit allows for the chips to be embedded into the road surface and for them to remain in place as the seal cures.

This work is expected to be complete by mid-February, weather dependent.

Chipsealing helps ensure a smooth, skid-resistant surface, free of potholes and slippery sections to reduce the risk of crashes and help keep everyone traveling on our roads safe.

Details of specific work sites for the week ahead can be found on the Northland State Highway Maintenance Programme website. However, work is weather dependent and there may be changes to the planned works in the case of unsuitable weather. Please visit the NZTA Journey Planner website up-to-date information, including any changes due to weather. 

Northland State Highway Maintenance Programme(external link)

Journey Planner(external link)

This work is part of Northland’s significant summer maintenance programme, which will see approximately 210 lane kilometres of state highway renewed across the region by the end of May.

NZTA thanks everyone for their understanding and support while we carry out this essential maintenance.

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

If you’re travelling the Tairāwhiti state highway network, you can expect to see a renewed level of activity for 2025.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) and Transport Rebuild East Coast (TREC) crews are back at work repairing and renewing state highways to ensure more efficient travel and safer, more resilient roads.

Work on many sites on both State Highway 2 (SH2) and State Highway 35 (SH35) is either underway or about to begin. Many sites will have stop / go traffic management and temporary lower speed limits in place while work is carried out.

NZTA is reminding everyone using the state highway network around the region to plan their journeys and expect delays. While summer maintenance work has been staged to reduce the overall impact on road users, there is likely to be delays to people’s travel – with cyclone recovery work, annual road renewals and other projects underway.

Works are weather dependent and subject to change. Please allow extra time to travel around the region and use NZTA’s Journey Planner to check for updates.

SH35 sites underway or starting this month

• Road resealing on SH35 between Christopher Rd and Pouawa Bridge will continue until late January. The work will take place between the hours of 6am to 6pm. Stop/go traffic management will be in place with 10-to-15-minute delays possible.
• Overnight road resealing on SH35 between Tatapouri Boat Ramp and Okitu Scenic Reserve from 28 January to 1 February. The work will take place between 6pm and 6am. Stop/go traffic management will be in place in addition to a temporary 30km/h speed restriction. Delays of between 10 and 15 minutes are possible.
• Overnight road resealing on SH35 Awapuni Rd between Lytton Rd and the Speedway (Makorori) from 27 January until 3 February. The overnight work will take place between 6pm and 6am. Stop/go traffic management and a temporary 30km/h speed restriction will be in place. Delays of between 10 and 15 minutes are possible.
• Ongoing cyclone recovery work on SH35 at Awatere Gully, until late March. A buttress wall with gabions (baskets fill with rocks) will be constructed to repair the underslip. Stop/go traffic management will be in place between 6am and 6pm with a temporary 30km/h speed restriction in place.  Delays of up to 10 minutes are possible.
• Ongoing cyclone recovery work on SH35 at Kemps Culvert, until late April. Crews will reinstate the inlet/outlet of the culvert and focus on additional drainage improvements.  Stop/go traffic management will be in place in addition to temporary speed restrictions. Delays of up to 10 minutes are possible between 6am and 6pm.
• Cyclone repair work on SH35 at Kopuaroa, north of Tokomaru Bay, (underslip repairs and road reinstatement). Stop/go traffic management and temporary speed restrictions will be in place until mid-2025. Delays of up to 10 minutes are possible.

SH2 sites underway or starting this month

• A road replacement (road rebuild) on SH2 south between Maraetaha Rd and Wharekakaho Rd, Bartletts. Stop/go traffic management will be in place in addition to temporary speed restrictions between the hours of 6am and 6pm. Work is expected to be complete by 4 February.
• A road replacement (road rebuild) on SH2 north between Whakarau Rd and Waihuka Rd, Puha. Stop/go traffic management will be in place with 10–15-minute delays possible between 6am and 6pm. Work is expected to be complete by 29 January.

• A road replacement (road rebuild) on SH2 south between Maraetaha Rd and Wharekakaho Rd, Bartletts. Stop/go traffic management will be in place in addition to temporary speed restrictions between the hours of 6am and 6pm, 13 and 30 January. 

• A road replacement (road rebuild) on SH2 north between Whakarau Rd and Waihuka Rd, Puha. Stop/go traffic management will be in place with 10–15-minute delays possible between 6am and 6pm, 6 to 24 January.
• A road replacement (road rebuild) on SH2 south between Puninga Rd and Tarewa Rd, Whareratas.  Stop/go traffic management will be in place in addition to temporary speed restrictions, between 6am and 6pm, 20 January to 3 February.

• Ongoing cyclone recovery work on SH2 through the Otoko Hill area. Stop/go traffic management is is place in addition to temporary speed restrictions. Delays of up to 10 minutes are possible until late 2025.

Summer is always a busy period for road maintenance, as the weather is typically drier and warmer.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi acknowledges this work will be disruptive for some road users and appreciates people’s patience while this strengthening work is carried out to make these road more resilient.

This summer, roadworkers are out across the region making improvements. Expect delays and allow extra time before you travel. Road workers are out in all weather and do their best to keep everyone moving. Be tolerant and respectful of all crew members and follow any instructions on site. They’re helping to keep you safe.

As always, work is weather dependent and there may be changes to the planned works in the case of unsuitable weather. Please visit the NZTA Journey Planner website for up-to-date information on these works, including any changes due to weather.

Journey Planner (external link)

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

The top of the south summer maintenance continues with State Highway 6 Whangamoa Saddle, between Rai Valley and Hira, and the Pelorus Bridge next in line for work.

This route will have three weeks of night closures from late-February until mid-March for road resurfacing and maintenance work.

The work will run from 23 February until 13 March. During this time State Highway 6 between Hira and Rai Valley will be closed from 8 pm to 5.30 am, Sunday to Thursday nights. No work will be done on Friday and Saturdays.

To take advantage of this closure and reduce future disruption on this corridor, the Pelorus Bridge on State Highway 6 between Havelock and Rai Valley will be closed on the night of 23 February from 8 pm until 5.30 am. The bridge will be open for traffic at 12:30 am.

Rob Service, System Manager Nelson-Tasman, says it’s critical this important route between Nelson and Marlborough is regularly and properly maintained.

It’s essential our road crews get in well before winter to ensure the highway is in good shape before the cooler, wetter weather arrives. They’ll be clearing drainage, replacing a culvert, doing resilience improvements, and other general maintenance work.”

“The work on Pelorus Bridge on the first night of the closure involves replacing a bridge deck panel. The bridge must be closed while this work is undertaken. Our Nelson and Marlborough teams have worked together and planned this work to occur during the Whangamoa Saddle work to reduce the impact on road users.”

“We have deliberately timed the work to happen at night and it is also well outside peak summer holiday traffic. It means it will affect as few road users as possible,” Mr Service says.

The road will be opened once per night at 12:30 am to let traffic through. The freight industry and other drivers will need to plan carefully to ensure they meet this schedule.

Mr Service says given the narrowness of the road and the equipment being used, the highway must be closed.

“We realise road closures are disruptive, but they help keep our road crews safer and let us complete our work faster.”

“Doing this work during the day under stop/go when there is more traffic, would create major delays for drivers. Night closures help us avoid this,” Mr Service says.

And he says drivers need to be aware of other state highway maintenance work planned for State Highway’s around the region in February and March.

“Drivers must keep this in mind. Please, check road conditions before you travel. Be aware of where the road works are so you can plan your journeys properly,” Mr Service says.

Other State Highway maintenance works:

• SH6 Havelock – Nighttime works: Asphalting
  • Tuesday, 11 February to Sunday, 6 March, 7 pm to 7 am. Stop/go with delays of up to 10 minutes.

• SH6 Pelorus – Day time work: Area Wide Pavement Treatment
  • Monday, 10 February to Tuesday, 11 March, 7 am to 7 pm. Stop/go with delays of up to 10 minutes.

SH6 Whangamoa Saddle – works schedule and location:

• 23 February to 13 March. Sunday to Thursday nights, 8 pm – 5:30 am.
• No work will be done on Friday and Saturday nights. The highway will be open, but traffic management and temporary speed limits will apply at work areas.
• There will be one nightly opening of the road at 12:30 am to allow vehicles through. Drivers must be at the closure points (at the weighbridge in Hira, and on the Rai Valley straight at Rai Engineering & Mechanical) by 12:30 am.
• Bad weather may see works delayed or extended.
• There will be other areas of work on our state highways across the top of the South during February. Please plan ahead when travelling.

SH6 Pelorus Bridge – works schedule and location:

• Sunday 23 February, 8 pm – 5:30 am with one opening of the road at 12:30 am to allow vehicles to cross the bridge.
• Drivers must be at the closure points at the Pelorus Bridge by 12:30 am.
• Contractors will return to the site to complete maintenance work on SH6 Pelorus Bridge from 3 March to 6 March, 8 pm – 5:30 am. Expect delays of up to 10 minutes.
• Bad weather may see works delayed or extended.
• There will be other areas of work on our state highways across the top of the South during February. Please plan ahead when travelling.

Detour Route:

• The alternate route for drivers wanting to travel over night between Blenheim and Nelson is via State Highway 63 and St Arnaud.
• This a much longer route and will add more than two hours to travel times.

Works Location:

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