Category: New Zealand Transport Agency

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

While the elves may be working right up until midnight on Christmas Eve, works across the region’s roads will mostly have finished at midday today Friday 20 December, allowing road users an undisturbed run to their holiday destination.

However, just because there are no roadworks doesn’t mean there are no delays, says Sandra King, Bay of Plenty System Manager at NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA). 

“Holiday traffic will be busy at certain periods in the lead-up to Christmas and throughout the 2-week period the majority of New Zealanders have on holiday. To help with planning the best time to travel, NZTA has released the Summer Journeys traffic prediction tool. 

Summer Journeys traffic prediction tool(external link)

“This tool indicates when key routes will be free-flowing, busy and at their heaviest. Along with the Journey Planner, which provides real time traffic updates, you can see when the best time is to travel and check there are no issues on the network causing delays. 

We are experiencing some hot days and this is causing the road surfaces to bleed, this means you may see crews out on site laying chipseal along with a temporary speed limit to keep everyone safe. 

Similar to previous years, the passing lanes on State Highway 2 (SH2), between Pōkeno and the State Highway 25 Mangatarata roundabout, will be closed during peak times. The eastbound passing lane is closed from Friday 27 to Sunday 29 December between 4am and 11pm. Westbound is closed from Friday 3 to Sunday 5 January between 4am and 11pm. 

Those cruising down SH2 through the Karangahake Gorge will have more time to soak up the stunning scenery. The 600m section between Crown Hill Road and School Road has had its speed reduced temporarily from 80km/h to 50km/h, which remains in place until after Waitangi weekend. This section of the highway includes the entrance to the Karangahake Reserve, which is the starting point for many of the popular walks in the historic gorge.   

“NZTA wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable Christmas. For a smooth and hassle-free trip, and to make sure you reach your destination, remember to check over your vehicle before leaving, drive safely and to the posted speed limit, and enjoy the journey. We want everyone to enjoy this time with their friends and whānau,” says Ms King. 

This work forms 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. 

Waikato and Bay of Plenty state highway works as at 20 December 2024 [PDF, 308 KB]

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Otoko Hill on State Highway 2 north of Gisborne is now back to two lanes for the Christmas holiday period.

Work has been continuing at Otoko Hill since Cyclone Gabrielle on a number of sites, replacing culverts, repairing roads and improving drainage.

While work will continue in the new year, the work sites will be back to two lanes over the holiday period. There will be a temporary lower speed limit still in place.

To minimise disruption for travellers over the holiday period, there will be no active work sites around the region from now until 6 January.

However there will be traffic management in place, including reduced speeds or one lane sections with traffic lights at a number of sites around the region including:

• Kopuaroa
• Mangahauini Gabions
• D9/Gudgeons
• Kemps Hill
• Makatote (Makarika) Valley

Early in the new year, road users can expect work to begin again around the region, including

• 6-24 January road renewal. SH2 north between Whakarau Rd and Waihuka Rd, Puha (weather permitting).  Stop/Go traffic management with 10–15-minute delays possible.  
• 13-30 January road renewal. SH2 south between Maraetaha Rd and Wharekakaho Rd, Bartletts (weather permitting).  Stop/Go traffic management with10-15-minute delays possible.  
• 13 January road resealing. SH35 between Christopher Rd and Pouawa Bridge.  Stop/Go traffic management with 10–15-minute delays possible.

Reminders will be communicated closer to the start of this work.

Holiday season driving

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has updated its online holiday journeys traffic prediction tool(external link), which shows predicted traffic flows over the Christmas and New Year holiday, based on previous year’s travel patterns. This handy ‘trip hack’ is a great way to plan your trips and avoid the stress of getting caught up in lengthy delays.

NZTA wants everyone to get to their destinations safely. More cars on the road, tired drivers and people driving on unfamiliar roads can all add up to make holiday driving stressful and risky. But there are simple things we can all do to stay safe.

We encourage everyone to check that their car is safe before heading off, keep your speeds down, drive sober, watch for signs of fatigue and share the driving on long trips.

Always drive to the conditions, which can change quickly. Check the weather forecast before leaving home, as well as our real-time traffic updates for any incidents or closures.

Tips for safe driving on your summer holiday

Drive to the conditions, allow plenty of time and take regular breaks to stay alert.

• Be patient when driving this summer so everyone can relax and enjoy the holidays together.
• Keep a safe following distance from vehicles in front so you can stop safely.
• Drive to the conditions – whether it’s the weather, the road you’re on, the time of day or the volume of traffic on the roads.
• Take regular breaks to stay alert.
• Allow plenty of time. You’re on holiday, no need to rush. 

Vehicle safety

• Your vehicle must be safe to drive before you set off on your summer holiday.
• Check that the Warrant of Fitness or Certificate of Fitness is up-to-date on any vehicle you plan to drive, including rentals.
• There are basic checks you can do yourself, including:
  • Tyres – minimum tread is 1.5mm but the more tread, the better the grip.
  • Lights – check that all lights work so your vehicle is visible in poor light.
  • Indicators – ensure all indicators work so people know which direction you are moving.
  • Windscreen and wipers – check for wear and tear so you can see the road safely.

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, 10 January 2025. Please note this Traffic Bulletin is updated every Friday.

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)

• Northbound lanes between Northcote Road off-ramp and Tristram Avenue on-ramp, 9 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
  • Northcote Road northbound on-ramp, 9 January
• Southbound lanes between Northcote Road off-ramp and Onewa Road on-ramp, 9 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
  • Northcote Road southbound on-ramp, 9 January
  • Esmonde Road southbound on-ramp, 9 January
• Shelly Beach Road southbound off-ramp, 25 December-2 January (24/7)
• Stafford Road northbound off-ramp, 1-5 January (24/7)
• Curran Street northbound on-ramp, 1-5 January (24/7)

CENTRAL MOTORWAY JUNCTION (CMJ)

• Southbound lanes between Fanshawe Street off-ramp and Grafton Road on-ramp, 26-30 December & 1-5 January
  • Hobson Street (SH1) southbound on-ramp, 26-30 December & 1-5 January
  • Symonds Street southbound on-ramp closed, 26 December 9pm to 31 December 6am (24/7)
  • Symonds Street southbound on-ramp closed, 1 January 9pm to 6 January 6am (24/7)
• SH16 eastbound to SH1 southbound link, 26 December 9pm to 31 December 6am (24/7)
• SH16 eastbound to SH1 southbound link, 1 January 9pm to 6 January 6am (24/7)

SOUTHERN MOTORWAY (SH1)

• Southbound lanes between Mt Wellington Highway off-ramp and East Tamaki Road on-ramp, 8 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
  • Mt Wellington Highway southbound on-ramp, 8 January
  • Princes Street southbound on-ramp, 8 January
  • Highbrook Drive southbound on-ramp, 8 January
• Northbound lanes between Drury/SH22 off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 9 January
  • Drury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 9 January
• Drury/SH22 southbound on-ramp, 7 January
• Northbound lanes between Ramarama off-ramp and Papakura on-ramp, 7-8 January
  • Drury/SH22 northbound on-ramp, 7-8 January
  • Ramarama northbound on-ramp, 7-8 January
• Bombay southbound off-ramp, 6-9January
• SH1 southbound to SH2 eastbound link, 6 & 8-9 January

NORTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH16)

• Southbound lanes between Waimauku roundabout and Foster Road, 8-9 January (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)
• Northbound lanes between Foster Road and Waimauku roundabout, 8-9 January (approx. 8:00pm to 5:00am)
• Southbound lanes between Access Road and Taupaki Road roundabout, 9 January
• Northbound lanes between Taupaki Road roundabout and Access Road, 9 January
• Northbound lanes between Hobsonville Road off-ramp and Brigham Creek Road roundabout, 7 January (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)
• SH16 northbound to SH18 eastbound link, 7 January (approx. 9:30pm to 5:00am)

UPPER HARBOUR MOTORWAY (SH18)

• Westbound lanes between Greenhithe Road off-ramp and Tauhinu Road on-ramp, 6 January
• Eastbound lanes between Tauhinu Road off-ramp and Greenhithe Road on-ramp, 6 January
• Squadron Drive eastbound on-ramp, 6 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
• Eastbound lanes between Brigham Creek Road off-ramp and Brigham Creek Road on-ramp, 6 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)
• Eastbound lanes between Hobsonville Road off-ramp and Squadron Drive on-ramp, 7 January
  • Hobsonville Road eastbound on-ramp, 7 January
  • Trig Road eastbound on-ramp, 7 January
  • Brigham Creek Road eastbound on-ramp, 7 January

SOUTHWESTERN MOTORWAY (SH20)

• Southbound lanes between Neilson Street off-ramp and Neilson Street on-ramp, 7 January (approx. 10:00pm to 5:00am)

GEORGE BOLT MEMORIAL DRIVE (SH20A)

• Bader Drive northbound off-ramp, 6-7 January

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.

To check for the most current overnight closure information please visit Journey planner before you leave.

Journey planner – Auckland(external link)

Auckland roads and public transport:

at.govt.nz(external link)

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

The NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Board has appointed Group General Manager Transport Services, Brett Gliddon, as Chief Executive from 17 February 2025.

NZTA Board Chair Simon Bridges says the Board undertook a comprehensive recruitment process involving international candidates leading up to this appointment and thanked previous chief executive Nicole Rosie for her support of the smooth leadership transition. 

“Brett is a widely respected leader, who has a deep knowledge of the transport system and a track record of large-scale infrastructure delivery. He is a qualified civil engineer who has played an integral role in shaping our modern transport network. 

“Brett has experience in leading the establishment and delivery of diverse funding models, including Public Private Partnerships and Alliances, and is committed to driving excellence in the supply chain, with a focus on performance and improving health and safety,” Mr Bridges says.   

Brett has been NZTA Group General Manager for Transport Services for the past six and a half years, and is currently the Acting Chief Executive. He holds governance roles nationally and internationally, including as Deputy Chair of Austroads.  

Brett says he is very much looking forward to the Chief Executive role and the wider strategic responsibilities that come with leading the agency and delivering on expected performance. 

Vanessa Browne, National Manager Portfolio and Standards, will continue as the Acting GGM Transport Services until a permanent appointment is made. 

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Resilience work on State Highway 63 at the Wash Bridge in Marlborough has finished in time for Christmas.

Contractors sealed the raised road on Monday, 16 December before heavy rain hit the area.

The new road surface was line marked yesterday (19 December), and both lanes of the highway have been returned to an 80 km/h speed limit in time for the holiday season

Contractors have been onsite since October raising the height of the road by 1.5 meters making the road more resilient and minimising the risk of future flooding. The team has also completed culvert improvements at the site.

While the work on the road is complete, contractors will return to the site early in the New Year to install safety barriers.

NZTA/Waka Kotahi thanks road users and the community for their patience and understanding while this important resilience work was completed.

---

14 November:

Work crews are working at pace on resilience works on State Highway 63 near the Wash Bridge between Wairau Valley and St Arnaud.

Good progress is being made on efforts to protect the road from flooding. The height of the road is being raised by 1.5 metres, and culvert improvements are being made as well.

Steps are being taken to speed up the project and contractors are now working Saturdays to ensure the site is completed and the road resealed before Christmas.

Stop/Go will operate Mondays to Saturdays, between 7:30 am and 5 pm. The road will reopen to two lanes outside of work hours, but a reduced speed limit will remain in place.

Road users must obey the lower speed limit. It is there to protect the road under construction, and to keep drivers safe.

---

2 October:

New resilience work starts next week on State Highway 63 in Marlborough, on the Blenheim side of The Wash Bridge.

Contractors will be on-site from next Monday, 7 October, with work expected to continue until early December.

They will raise the height of the road by 1.5 meters to minimise future flooding and carry out culvert improvements as well.

Making these improvements and increasing the highway’s resilience will ensure the State Highway 63 will be stronger and better prepared when bad weather strikes.

During the work, one lane of the highway will remain open under stop/go temporary traffic management. A 30 km/h temporary speed limit will also be in place. Road users can expect delays of up to 10 minutes.

Other resilience works are planned for Marlborough. They include State Highway 6 Canvastown at Racecourse Bridge, State Highway 6 Rai Saddle and State Highway 1 at Dashwood. More information about these projects will be shared before they get underway. 

Works Schedule: 

• Stop/Go temporary traffic management in place from Monday. 7 October to Friday. 6 December, 7:30 am – 5 pm – No work on Saturdays or Sundays or public holidays.
• The road will reopen to two lanes outside of work hours.
• A temporary speed limit of 30 km/h will be in place at the site 24/7.
• Expect delays of up to 10 minutes.

More Information: 

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Run, run Rudolph, State Highway 1 between Mangamuka and Kaitaia opened to all vehicles at 12.01am this morning. 

The Mangamuka Gorge has been closed since August 2022, due to significant slip damage caused by severe weather. Additional weather events and record rainfall throughout 2023 resulted in additional slips, as well as further complicating repairs on existing slip sites. In June this year, a significant new slip formed, taking the total number of slip sites to 36, with 16 of those identified as critical. 

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Project Director, Mark Ware, says it’s a tremendous feeling to see the road opened today, just in time for Christmas. 

“We know how important this road is to the people who live, work and do business in Te Tai Tokerau Northland. The team has worked tirelessly to restore this crucial social and economic connection for the Far North and ensure its resilience for the future.

“While much of the repair work is underground, with the extensive piles and anchors hidden from view, road users will notice a wider road at the repaired sites, new asphalt, capping beams, guardrails, and a new retaining wall – all part of a highly complex engineering effort. The summit will also be open, providing a spot for people to take a break, stretch their legs, and enjoy lunch at the new picnic tables.

“Alongside the slip repairs, we’ve made significant drainage and stormwater improvements to ensure the road is better able to handle any future weather events.  

“Our team has worked at pace through tough conditions to meet the challenge of restoring this important connection. As they worked, they needed to continually monitor the hillside to ensure there was no new earth movement. They also faced Northland’s challenging geology (Northland Allochthon, or “Northland Problematic Rock”) and the narrow terrain of the gorge itself.”  

The significant work programme has led to some pretty impressive numbers for the project, says Mr Ware.

“There is a lot to be proud of in some of these figures – the sheer number of site hours the crews have put in to get us to this point, and the high percentage of locals, and local companies involved. It’s a real success story.”

A few facts about the project (February 2023 – November 2024): 

People 

• 560,000+ site hours 
• 1,274 total inducted site staff 
• 150 average daily workforce on-site 

Companies 

• 193 total companies involved 
• 58% Far North employers 
• 29 daily average companies on-site
• 50% Far North District average workforce on-site 
• 68% Northland region average workforce on-site

Slips 

• 36 total slips (16 critical slips and 20 minor slips) 

Piles 

• 1337 total piles installed 
• 747 enabling piles 
• 590 permanent piles 
• 23m average pile depth 
• 32m deepest pile 
• 12.8km total length of drilling 
• 10,000m3 of concrete used 

Road surface 

• 5.2km of road paved 
• 50,000m2 of asphalt installed 
• 6,571 tons of asphalt installed

12-month rainfall (Feb 2023 – Feb 2024) 

• 1712mm historical average annual rainfall 
• 2801mm total rainfall in the past 12 months 
• 542mm rainfall in the wettest month, May 2023 
• 34mm rainfall in the driest month, Feb 2024 
• 72mm/hr peak rainfall per hour 
• 118.8mm rainfall on the wettest day, 23 Sept 2023 

Northland Inc Chief Executive, Paul Linton, says resilient roading networks are the backbone of Northland’s economy and community.

“Roads like SH1 through the Mangamuka Gorge are critical lifelines, connecting our people, businesses, and visitors to the rest of the region and beyond. 

“This reopening is not just about restoring a key transport route; it’s about ensuring the resilience of our infrastructure to support economic growth, enhance tourism, and maintain the well-being of our communities. The investment in this project underscores the vital role these connections play in shaping a thriving and future-focused Te Tai Tokerau Northland,” says Mr Linton.

Though the road is now open, additional works are required after the busy Christmas holiday break to finish the repairs. Workers will return to site the week beginning Monday 13 January 2025 to complete anchor work on the remaining slips. Works are expected to continue until April 2025. 

“The road will remain open during these works and the team will do their best to minimise disruptions. However, people can expect to see temporary traffic management, such as reduced speeds, stop/go or traffic lights,” Mr Ware says. 

A temporary 80km/h speed limit will be in place on SH1 Mangamuka Gorge until April 2025 for the safety of the construction team undertaking finishing work and while road users get reacquainted with the route, following the two-year closure. The speed restriction is not expected to impact travel.

There are also areas of new seal and Mr Ware asks motorists to adhere to posted speed limits to help keep themselves, other road users and road workers safe. The temporary speed limit also helps ensure the quality of the seal while it beds in.

“As these final repairs are completed, we ask that people help keep everyone on the road safe by driving with care, adhering to the posted speed limits and following the directions of traffic management staff and signs.”

As part of the largest ever investment in state highway renewals in Northland, NZTA is also undertaking significant pavement repairs this summer to address damage and prevent potholes on State Highway 10, the detour route used during the closure.  

NZTA plans to repair about 15,000m² of pavement – 55% more than the average amount repaired on SH10 over the past three years. Key renewal sites include rebuilding 1km of SH10 between Pakaraka and Waipapa and resurfacing nearly 10km of road, with 5.5km in the Mangōnui to Taipa area.  

“We’d like to thank the people of Te Tai Tokerau Northland for their patience and support of the project, and we hope everyone enjoys a relaxing Christmas holiday break in the beautiful Far North this summer,” Mr Ware says.

“Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good drive.” 

SH1 Mangamuka Gorge slip repairs project

SH1 Mangamuka Gorge slip repairs YouTube playlist(external link)

SH1 Mangamuka Gorge slip repairs photo gallery(external link)

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) rock scaling crews have made good progress on a section of South Westland cliff-face since torrential rain led to the closure of the highway north of Haast in November. Rockfall and debris were triggered in a number of places with widespread flooding and clean up required along the highway.

“Scaling crews moved onto the area above the road (the rift area), north of the historic underslip, soon after the rockfall and have been working with explosives in recent weeks to clear particular rock features,” says Moira Whinham, Maintenance Contract Manager for NZTA on the West Coast.

The highway has been closed 12.30 pm to 4 pm on Tuesday and Thursday  afternoons to allow for the safe explosives placement, blasting and road clearance to occur.

“Deconstruction of the Epitaph Rift feature, set off by the 9 November rainfall, is progressing well.  It’s painstakingly slow work, deconstructing the feature block by block, but the teams have made good progress.

“They will now take a break over the Christmas period, with work stopping on site Friday, 20 December and re-starting Monday, 13 January.”

• Work will restart from the 13 January and is expected to continue through to March, 2025.
• From 13 January, the road will again be closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 12.30 and 4pm for explosive rock clearing.

Epitaph underslip

The historic underslip area south of the rockfall site, has remained stable through the recent periods of heavy rain. There has been no movement recorded since the heaviest recent rainfall on 9 November.

“An extensive remote monitoring system is now in place, providing real time information to our maintenance teams should any movement occur,” says Miss Whinham. “We have resources in place to manage the site over the Christmas period if it is needed and if weather triggers any other movements around this site.”

Normal road speed limits apply Xmas/20 December to 13 January

There will be no traffic management or speed restrictions through the Epitaph site over the Christmas period, given no crew are on the ground, however during periods of heavy rain the road may close at short notice for road user safety.

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Three nights of roadworks are planned for Featherston next month as the state highway summer maintenance programme continues in Wairarapa.

The intersection of State Highway 2 and 53 will be repaired from Tuesday, 7 January to Thursday, 9 January, between 9 pm and 4:30 am.

Roxanne Hilliard, Wellington Alliance Manager says it is about ensuring a well-used intersection is properly maintained.

“Once completed, this work will improve the strength of the intersection, making it more resilient and safer for all road users.” 

Ms Hilliard says the work has been planned at night when traffic volumes are lower to minimise disruption.

“However, traffic management set up will begin from seven pm, and drivers may experience delays from then. Please factor it into your travel plans and allow a little extra time for your journeys.”

Minor highway closures will be required, with local road detours available. The roads will be open to traffic during the day under a temporary speed limit of 30 km/h.

There will be no on-street parking at night in the areas around the intersection when work is underway, but parking will be available during the day.

NZTA/Waka Kotahi and the Wellington Transport Alliance thank the public for their patience and cooperation while this critical state highway maintenance is completed.

Works Schedule and Detour Routes:

• SH2 Fitzherbert St and Revans Street, Tuesday night, 9 pm to 4:30 am
  • SH2 closed to all traffic between Wakefield Street and Fox Street
  • Local road detour via Fox Street and Wakefield Street
• SH53 Revans St. Wednesday night, 9 pm to 4:30 am
  • SH53 closed to all traffic at the intersection of SH2 and Revans Street and Orion Way
  • Local road detours available via Bethune Street, Brandon Street and Daniell Street
• SH2 Fitzherbert Street and Revans Street. Thursday night, 9 pm to 4:30 am
  • Paving the whole section of road
  • SH2 closed to all traffic between Wakefield and Fox Streets
  • SH53 closed from SH2 intersection and Orion Way 

More Information:

The work is funded from a $278 million investment in Wellington’s state highways in the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme. $162 million will be invested in maintaining state highway assets, and another $116 million is ringfenced for state highway pothole prevention –

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Work begins next month alongside Tutaekuri River Bridge on Hawke’s Bay Expressway as the 4 laning Roads of National Significance project continues.

In the past few months, crews have been working alongside Kennedy Road offramp to clear vegetation and have laid repurposed safe, tested silt from the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle, provided by the Silt Recovery Taskforce.

This is to raise the level of the land and create a wide, flat surface for construction of the 4 laning project to begin later next year, once the silt has compacted.

Between 8 January and 31 March, crews will be taking the same approach further south, alongside the Tutaekuri River Bridge.

During this time, there will be a temporary 70km/h speed limit through this area and road users will notice a lot of activity off to the side of the northbound lane, including vegetation removal from mid-January and silt transportation and construction from the beginning of February.

In February, the Rotary cycle path and walkway will be slightly realigned and there will, at times, be work site trucks crossing a small section of it. There will be traffic management to ensure all truck drivers will be slowing to a stop before crossing the path for the safety of all users and there will be people on site keeping the path clear for users.

Upcoming night closures in late January

From Monday 20 to Friday 25 January, sections of SH2 Hawke’s Bay Expressway will be closed from 8pm to 5am each night for a range of maintenance work. The work will be finished by 5am on Friday 25 January.

There are local road detours available which are expected to add 5-10 minutes to people’s journeys.

• 20 – 21 Jan – Between Prebensen Drive and Taradale Rd roundabouts, closed for 3 nights – Local road detour suitable for all vehicles.
• 22 Jan – Kennedy Rd on ramp, closed for 1 night. Local road detour suitable for all vehicles.
• 22 – 24 Jan – Between Meeanee Rd and Pākōwhai Rd/Links Rd, closed for 3 nights. Local road detour not suitable for heavy vehicles.

Crews will be sealing the Kennedy Road onramp, sealing between Prebensen Dr and Taradale Rd, and between Meeanee and Pākōwhai/Links Rds, and other work including median barrier replacement and lane marking.

Detours are available and will be clearly signposted. The last closure will finish at 5am Saturday 25 January.

The HB Expressway 4 laning project team will also take the opportunity during the closures to install a temporary steel barrier as part of the Tutaekuri River Bridge work.

The barrier was in place during the Kennedy Road offramp work, and keeps moving traffic separate from the worksite, minimising the number of road cones needed.

Hawke’s Bay Expressway Roads of National Significance

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Regional Manager of Infrastructure Delivery, Rob Partridge says the section of the Hawke’s Bay Expressway between the roundabouts at Taradale Road and Pākōwhai /Links Road is the focus for Stage 1 of the project.

“It’s the most congested section during peak traffic.  

“The work already completed at the Kennedy Road offramp and the work at Tutaekuri River Bridge will allow us to build the approaches to the new bridge,” says Rob Partridge.

“The ground will be compacted and monitored over a period of at least 12 months, allowing the ground to settle and consolidate sediment prior to future construction works.

“Hawke’s Bay Expressway is critical part of the region’s roading network. The project to 4 lane this stretch of it is really exciting and will serve the growth of the region for decades to come.”

To stay up to date with the project, please visit:

SH2 Hawke’s Bay Expressway

Stage one scope – map [PDF, 535 KB]