Category: Transport

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]

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

To kick start the New Year, State Highway 3 (SH3) through the Ōhaupō Village in the Waikato will be getting a refreshing make over, with a 7-week road build taking place from Tuesday 7 January 2025.

Both lanes of SH3 on Ōhaupō Road, between Ryburn Road and Forkert Road, are being rebuilt says Andrew Oakley, Waikato System Manager at NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).  

“The work involves digging down 450mm, removing the existing road surface and replacing it with new asphalt layers. 

“We’re starting it during the school holidays when traffic volumes are lighter, meaning less disruption for motorists and the community,” says Mr Oakley. 

The work is being done in two phases starting from the signalised pedestrian crossing to 100 metres south of Great Collins Street. This section is expected to take 3 weeks to complete. 

Phase 2 of the works will be from the signalised pedestrian crossing to 50 metres north of Forkert Road. This includes drainage work and is expected to take 4 weeks to complete. 

One lane will remain open for southbound traffic at all times. 

Northbound light vehicles will be detoured 24/7 for duration of the works. The detour is via Ryburn Road and Forkert Road, this will add approximately 8 minutes to people’s journey. 

Heavy vehicles including buses, overweight and over dimension vehicles cannot take the detour. They will be stacked and allowed through the worksite with delays of up to 30 minutes expected. 

“Closing 1 direction of traffic to light vehicles means we can complete this work more safely and efficiently. 

“We’re asking any residents within the worksite to get in touch if they need assistance getting in and out of their properties. While the road surface is being dug out there will be no access in and out of properties for approximately 8 days,” says Mr Oakley. 

Emergency services will have access at all times through the work site. 

“We understand this work and the associated closures are disruptive and inconvenient, and we appreciate everyone’s patience. 

“Our state highway network is essential for moving people and goods around the country, and our work ensures the road is safe and accessible for everyone who travels on it,” says Mr Oakley. 

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.  

View larger map [PDF, 182 KB]

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Significant maintenance is planned for State Highway 1 through Kilbirnie next month until early February.

Contractors will be working on State Highway 1, between Kilbirnie Crescent and Hamilton Road, for up to six weeks from 12 January,

Roxanne Hilliard, Wellington Alliance Manager, says they will replace aging traffic signals and improve the intersection at Kilbirnie Crescent and Hamilton Road.

“This is a complex project which includes replacing traffic lights at the intersection, installing new underground cables and resurfacing the road.”

“This section of State Highway 1 is a critical link between the city and the Miramar Peninsula,” Ms Hilliard says.

The project will be completed in stages, some of which will require road closures and local road detours.

Ms Hilliard says every effort will be made to keep disruption for drivers and  the community to a minimum.

“This is a busy section of State Highway 1, and it carries around thirty thousand vehicles daily. This means some impact on drivers is unavoidable.”

“We will do the work at night, between nine pm and four am when traffic volumes are lighter. We will also ensure the noisiest works are done before midnight,” Ms Hilliard says.

Further updates will be provided before the work begins and as the project progresses through each of its stages.

Stage 1 – Works schedule and detour routes

• Sunday, 12 January to Tuesday, 21 January. Sunday to Thursday nights, 9pm – 4am.
• SH1 CLOSED between Kilbirnie Crescent and Evans Bay Parade.
• Local road detour via Kilbirnie Crescent and  Evans Bay Parade.
• Expect delays of two to three minutes.
• Heavy vehicles must detour to the Wellington CBD via Evans Bay Parade.
• This work is weather-dependent, and schedules may change.

More Information:

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Construction of the new roundabout at the State Highway 57 (SH57) /Tararua Road intersection is scheduled to begin in January.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) and Horowhenua District Council (HDC) are working in partnership to build a new roundabout at the intersection.

“While work progresses on the new Ōtaki to North of Levin (Ō2NL) highway, the new roundabout at Tararua Road and SH57 will improve safety at this busy intersection and also provide a future connection to the new highway and Tara-Ika growth area,” says Linda Stewart, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Director of Regional Relationships.

“Over the past fortnight, crews have been on site carrying out investigation works to confirm roundabout design and prepare to begin work on the roundabout in the new year. Traffic management won’t be in place over the Christmas period.”

Upcoming Traffic Management

From the week of 13 January 2025, construction crews will start on the first stage of work at the western side of the intersection. This will include the construction of 3 legs of the roundabout and installing watermains and other services.

During this phase of work, there will be no access from SH57 to the western section of Tararua Road and a detour will be in place. The detour will direct vehicles heading north via Queen Street East, and those travelling south to State Highway 1 via Kimberley Road.

The detour will allow traffic to flow steadily through SH57, minimising disruption on a busy state highway.

There will also be a 30km/h temporary speed limit on SH57 nearby the site for the safety of road users and crews.

Crews will be working Monday to Friday between 6am and 6:30pm. Outside these hours, the detour and temporary speed limit will remain in place on evenings and weekends while the work is completed.

We expect the first stage of work will be complete in June 2025. Following this, the team will move on to work on the eastern side of the roundabout.

The roundabout is expected to be complete around the end of 2025.

Roundabout a sign post for regional growth

Horowhenua District Council Mayor Bernie Wanden says the construction of the new roundabout at the SH57/Tararua Road intersection is a crucial step forward in improving road safety and supporting the growing needs of our community.

“This project will provide a safer intersection and better manage the increasing traffic volumes, making it a significant improvement for everyone who relies on this route.”

“The new roundabout will support the region’s growing population. With vehicle volumes set to increase over the coming years we’re working now to make this intersection safer for all those who use it” says Linda Stewart.

“The roundabout will also encourage drivers to slow down at the intersection, making it safer for drivers to cross and turn right. It will also improve pedestrian and cyclist safety by providing a pathway around the traffic lanes and formal crossings.”

Ō2NL site office construction

The start of 2025 will also see construction of the Ō2NL site office.

When work starts in January, the community can expect to see increased activity. Any construction disruption on the road should be limited to about a fortnight, while teams create the new access. 

We expect that the new office will be complete in mid-2025.

For more information visit:

Ōtaki to north of Levin new highway(external link)

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Christmas is upon us as well as a helpful congestion predictor device for any trips you have planned: NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi’s (NZTA’s) holiday journeys traffic prediction tool.

It provides predicted traffic flows over the Christmas and New Year, based on previous years’ travel patterns. This is one way to avoid delays, or at least be pre-warned so you can build in extra time.

Holiday journeys traffic prediction tool(external link)

Which bits of the South Island/Te Wai Pounamu get busy?

The occasionally busy sections of highway shown on the South Island map are: Wanaka, Queenstown, Geraldine, Timaru, SH1 between Ashburton and Christchurch, Arthur’s Pass village on SH73, Waipara north of Christchurch (key route to Picton, Nelson and Westport), the Lewis Pass itself west of Hanmer Springs turnoff, Murchison, Motueka/Riwaka (entrance to Golden Bay/Mohua) and SH6 between Nelson and Blenheim.

Most NZTA work sites will close from midday this Friday (20 December) to midnight on Sunday 5 January, with some resuming later in January.

“So once you have checked the holiday highway predictor and MetService for any weather warnings, there are a few other things to keep in mind to have a happy, safe trip,” says Nicole Felts, Journey Manager for NZTA.

MetService(external link)

The car and driver check

“We encourage everyone to check that their car is safe and warranted before heading off, keep your speeds down, drive sober, watch for signs of fatigue and share the driving on long trips. And always ensure you are safely buckled up, and all passengers.

“Check NZTA’s real-time traffic updates for any incidents or closures.”

Real-time traffic updates(external link)

Fire, fire

“Dry conditions continue in parts of the South Island, with Canterbury in a restricted fire season and parts of Otago already in a prohibited season. We encourage people travelling over summer to avoid putting hot objects, like car exhausts, near grass and vegetation, and to take care around any Fire and Emergency NZ controlled operations.”

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

With a bumper road maintenance programme to deliver in Northland this season, road crews will be back in action at three key sites in January.

State Highway 1, Whangārei to Ruakākā

Southbound left lane – (near Flyger Rd)

• New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) advises that our contractors will be rebuilding the southbound left lane on SH1, between Flyger Road and Prescott Road, from Monday 27 January 2025.
• Contractors will undertake approximately 2.5 weeks of day works, followed by 1.5 weeks of night works, with work expected to be complete by Monday 24 February 2025.
• The passing lane will remain closed for the duration of the works, with a 50km/h temporary speed limit in place 24/7.
• During the day works, traffic flow will be maintained in both directions, except for brief periods of stop/go to allow contractors to shift equipment or set-up and pack-down the site.
• During night works, the road will operate under stop/go traffic management.
• Alternative southbound passing lanes are located between Puwera and Oakleigh (slightly south of Puwera) and between Oakleigh and Mata (near Totara Road).

Northbound left lane – (near Hewlett Rd)

• Contractors will begin rebuilding the northbound left lane on SH1, between Hewlett Road and Salmon Road, from Monday 13 January 2025.
• This work will take place during the day; however, the passing lane will remain closed for the duration of the works, with a 50km/h temporary speed limit in place 24/7.
• Traffic flow will be maintained in both directions, except for brief periods of stop/go to allow contractors to shift equipment or set-up and pack-down the site.
• Work is expected to be complete by Friday 31 January.
• Alternative northbound passing lanes are located between Puwera and Oakleigh (slightly north of Oakleigh) and north of Ruakākā (just north of Prescott Road).

Rebuilding the road, which often involves replacing all or most of the structural road layers, improves the longevity of the network, the resilience and ultimately the safety and efficiency for all road users.

This summer maintenance period (September 2024 to May 2025), we’re investing in the largest road rebuild programme ever for the region, with Northland one of three regions across Aotearoa with the most significant road rebuild programmes over the next three years. 

SH1 Te Kamo Bypass / Kamo intersection

Contractors will undertake overnight road resurfacing on SH1 Te Kamo Bypass from Sunday 12 January 2025.

The road will be closed between 8pm and 5am, Sunday to Thursday, through to Monday 20 January, with a detour via Kamo township. High Performance Motor Vehicles (HPMV) will be grouped together and escorted through the worksite.

During the day, the road will operate with reduced speed limits in place.

Our crews will then shift their attention to the intersection on Tuesday 21 January, Wednesday 22 January, Thursday 23 January and Tuesday 28 January.

Work will take place between 8pm and 5am with a temporary speed limit, lane closures and stop/go traffic management in place. There will also be a detour in place via Percy Street, Kensington Ave

Great North Road and Kamo township. Once again, HPMV will be grouped and escorted through the worksite.

Travel delays during these works are expected to be between 5-10 minutes.

Please be patient and treat our crews with kindness and respect. Reduce your speed, adhere to the temporary speed limits and follow the traffic management directions at our work sites. 

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)

For more information about the overall maintenance programme and planned works, visit the Northland State Highway Maintenance Programme website.

Northland state highway maintenance programme(external link)      

NZTA thanks everyone for their patience while we undertake this important work to improve the safety and efficiency of our roads.

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is sprinkling some magic to ensure steady, smoother journeys for people travelling on a key holiday routes around the Bay of Plenty and Waikato this summer. 

As the summer break is fast approaching, NZTA reminds everyone to plan ahead for safe, enjoyable trips using our real time summer holidays journey planner. It’s as important as ever to drive to the conditions, allow extra time and take regular breaks to stay alert. 

Summer holidays 2024 | NZTA Journey Planner(external link) 

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 December to Sunday 29 December between 4am and 11pm. Westbound is closed from Friday 3 January to Sunday 5 January between 4am and 11pm.   

“Queues might be a little longer when the passing lanes are closed, but there will be minimal impact on your journey time.

“A slightly slower speed doesn’t make for a longer journey, overall, as traffic moves more steadily,” says NZTA Waikato Journey Manager, Andrew Brosnan.  

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.

As SH2 is the main highway connection between Auckland and the holiday hotspots of the Coromandel Peninsula, Waihī Beach and Tauranga, Mr Brosnan says it’s all about making the highways safer for everybody.    

“The Christmas shutdown for roadworks will be in place from midday Friday 20 December and continue through to midnight Sunday 5 January 2025. The break gives ensures fewer delays for travellers and gives our hardworking crews a chance to wind down and prepare for a busy start to 2025.

“Even though major work is put on hold there maybe be sites under traffic management to keep road users safe,” says Mr Brosnan.

NZTA has also crunched some data from previous holiday periods to compile a list of likely holiday congestion hotspots to help drivers plan ahead to avoid the queues. 

Holiday hotspots | NZTA Journey Planner(external link) 

In the Waikato, the busiest spots are expected to be on SH25 around Tairua township, on SH1 between Tīrau and Karāpiro and on SH2 between Pōkeno and Maramarua. 

For dates and times of potential congestion check out the Waikato link on the Summer Journeys holiday planner.

Holiday traffic journeys for Waikato | NZTA Journey Planner(external link) 

In the Bay of Plenty, the busiest spots are likely to be on SH2 between Paeroa and Waihī, on SH2 between Tauranga and Katikati and on SH29 on the Kaimai range.  

There’s more information on the Bay of Plenty link on the Summer Journeys holiday planner.

Holiday traffic journeys for Bay of Plenty | NZTA Journey Planner(external link) 

A number of road rebuild sites are starting early in the New Year, from Monday 6 January 2025. These works are weather dependant and subject to change.  

• SH27 Waharoa in the Waikato, 4-week road rebuild starting Monday 6 January, road closure with detour. 
•  SH3 Ōhaupō township in the Waikato, 7-week road rebuild tarting Tuesday 7 January with a light vehicle detour. 
•  SH2 Snodgrass Road, near Te Puna in the Bay of Plenty, a road rebuild starting Sunday 12 January at night for 6 weeks. 
•  SH1 Karāpiro, 4-day road closure for maintenance and repair work starting Sunday 19 January. 

NZTA wishes everyone safe journeys over the summer break.