Category: Transport

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Construction on the new 60-metre roundabout in Piarere is approaching another milestone, with the first completed approach roads set to open.

The roundabout opened to traffic in September 2024 with 2 temporary approach roads in action while work continued on the 3 permanent approaches.

This change will see traffic from all three of the legs approaching the roundabout using the roundabout.

Acting Regional Manager Infrastructure Delivery Waikato/Bay of Plenty for NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Bruce Waugh, says road workers are making great progress and are preparing to open the new and permanent SH1 (from Tīrau) and SH29 approaches in mid-December.

“The temporary layout has operated well but we’re looking forward to the next phase, which is 1 step closer to a completed roundabout.”

Mr Waugh says traffic will be moved onto the new approach roads during the day, Tuesday 17 December.

“We’re keeping the road open while the switch is made – no road closures or stop/go are needed; however, motorists should prepare for minor delays in the area. We expect both roads to be opened by the end of the day.”

Prior to the switch, line marking will be undertaken under stop/go on Monday 16 December from 8pm to 4am (weather dependent). Motorists should expect delays of around 10 minutes during this time.

The opening of these approaches will see the current tie-in road for Tīrau traffic become an access lane for nearby properties.

The temporary Hamilton approach road will remain in use while work continues on the permanent configuration, which is expected to be finished in early 2025.

All construction is on track to be completed in mid-2025. Once finished, the roundabout will improve efficiency, connectivity, and safety on this very important high-volume route.

NZTA thanks motorists for their patience and asks drivers to stick to temporary speed limits and take extra care when travelling through the area while people adjust to the new layout.

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

If you are a regular user of State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill, there are important dates you need to put in your diary.

Roxanne Hilliard, Wellington Alliance Manager, says dates are confirmed for planned night closures for the first half of 2025

“We are getting these dates out as early as possible, so people know exactly what is happening and when. The sooner people know, the sooner they can plan ahead.”

“If you travel over the Remutaka Hill regularly, please make sure these dates are in your diaries and calendars,” Ms Hilliard says.

State Highway 2, Remutaka Hill, planned night closures. January – June 2025:

Nights Closed	Start 9 pm	Finish 4 am
5	23 February	28 February
1	9 March	10 March
5	6 April	11 April
1	18 May	19 May
1	15 June	16 June

Ms Hilliard says the good news is there will be far fewer closures compared to the 31 that were scheduled for the same period last year.

“Road crews made the most of the nine weeks of night closures that were needed to fix an underslip on the Featherston side of the hill  between October and early December. As well as fixing the slip, they used the closure to complete a wide range of other maintenance jobs – road resurfacing, rock scaling, drainage works, clearing vegetation, and repairing and replacing signs.”

“It means we need fewer week-long night closures next year, which we hope will be good news for drivers. It will mean fewer disruptions for them,” Ms Hilliard says.

The closures are timed to avoid as many major events as much as possible and Ms Hilliard says this is carefully planned.

“We know night closures are disruptive and that’s why we try and avoid having them during school holidays, or when there are major local events on like the Wairarapa Wine Harvest Festival or the Martinborough Fair.”

“Most importantly, there will be no closures over the period when the Wairarapa Rail Line will be closed for maintenance. It means the Remutaka Hill will be open and available for expected heavier traffic volumes,” Ms Hilliard says.

Because highway over  Remutaka Hill is narrow and windy, there is often not enough space to  accommodate traffic and maintenance equipment. Full closures mean maintenance works can be finished faster and are safer for road crews. It also reduces traffic management costs.

Important information for Remutaka Hill closures:

• Escorted crossings are available during closure nights but must be booked in advance. We always communicate well before planned closures and provide contact details so bookings can be made.
• Bookings can be made online on the Waka Kotahi website –
  Remutaka Hill Closure Escort Booking Form(external link)
• Bookings are essential – drivers who turn up without one risk being turned away. If you have a genuine emergency on the night, the hill manager will decide how best to help you.
• The escorted crossings are for light vehicles only. To keep our contractors safe, heavy vehicles cannot be accommodated.
• Full access is always available for emergency services.

More information about planned maintenance closures for Remutaka Hill can be found on our website:

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Crews repairing Rotokautuku (Waiapu) Bridge on State Highway 35, near Ruatoria, will carry out two further bridge lifts tomorrow – Wednesday 11th December.

Work has been underway since October, with a number of bridge lifts required to make the improvements – these involve closing the bridge to traffic under a stop-stop traffic arrangement and raising it a few millimetres at a time.

Traffic bulletin – 18 October

The two additional bridge lifts will be undertaken tomorrow under two separate 10-minute stop-stops between 9am and 3pm and road users are advised to plan their journey.

While the bridge remains structurally sound, repairs to the bearings and cross bracing are needed to restore the damage caused by Cyclone Gabrielle.

Further bridge lifts and details will be communicated in the new year.

Please be tolerant and respectful of our crews out on site – they’d appreciate a friendly wave.

Road workers are out in all weather and do their best to keep everyone moving. They’re helping to keep you safe.

We appreciate the work we are doing is having a direct impact on people’s day to day lives and can be frustrating – but the people out there on the worksites are local, your friends and whānau and we want to make sure they make it home safe each night.  

We have a busy summer construction season ahead of us and this summer, roadworkers are out across the country making improvements. Expect delays and allow extra time before you travel.

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Contractors will be on the job at the end of this week ensuring State Highway 1 between Picton and Blenheim is in top shape for peak holiday traffic.

Resealing work is planned at the Picton Elevation, just south of Picton, for Thursday (12 December) and Friday (13 December) between six am and seven pm.

The highway was repaired earlier this year after it was damaged by changes in groundwater flows.

Since then, a reduced temporary speed limit has been in place until a layer of chipseal could be applied once the weather was warm enough. This week’s chip sealing work will enable all three lanes to be restored to 100 km/h.

While the work is underway, State Highway 1 will be  under stop/go traffic management and a 30 km/h temporary speed limit. Drivers can expect delays of up to 15 minutes.

After the road resurfacing is finished a 30 km/h temporary speed limit will remain in place until Saturday, 14 December. This is to allow the new road surface to bed in properly.

It is essential drivers obey the speed limits in place at the work site. They are there to keep drivers safe, but also to protect the road and vehicles from damage.

Drivers travelling to and from Picton, particularly those with ferry connections, must allow extra time for their journeys.

These works are part of the ongoing state highway summer maintenance programme and are critical for ensuring highways remain safe and resilient for drivers.

Works schedule and location map:

• Thursday and Friday (12 and 13 December), six am to seven pm
• Stop/Go traffic management and  30 km/h temporary speed limit. Delay of up to 15-minutes can be expected
• Once resurfacing is complete a 30 km/h temporary speed limit will remain  until Saturday, 14 December to allow the road surface to bed in

Summer Maintenance Season – Tips and Advice:

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

This December the world’s best endurance athletes will converge on Taupō to swim, bike and run the Vinfast Ironman 70.3 World Championships for 2024.

Vinfast Ironman 70.3 World Championships 2024(external link)

“While athletes complete their training, road users should also prepare for day time road closures and an influx in visitors,” says Andrew Brosnan, Waikato Journey Manager for NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA)

“Around 6000 competitors plus their supporters are expected to travel from overseas to take part in the event, with most of them arriving in Taupō up to a week prior to race day, so it’s going to be a busy time on the roads,” Mr Brosnan says.

As part of the cycle leg of the event, State Highway 5 between Wairakei and Golden Springs will be closed from 6am to 5pm on Saturday 14 December and again on Sunday 15 December. 

While SH5 is closed, traffic between Taupō and Rotorua will be detoured via SH1 and SH30 through Ātiamuri.

“This will only add approximately 5 minutes to journey times,” says Mr Brosnan, “but drivers should also be aware that Broadlands Road, a common alternative route between Taupō and Rotorua, will also be closed as it is on the cycle route for the Ironman.”

Cycle route(external link)

“Regular users of SH5 and Broadlands Road will already be seeing an increase in cyclists on the road leading up to the event as athletes familiarise themselves with the course, so please drive carefully and be mindful of cyclists,” Mr Brosnan says.

To coincide with the event, there will be no SH1 maintenance project work happening between Tokoroa and Taupō during the Ironman and in the week beforehand.

SH1 Tīrau to Waiouru maintenance

Drivers are also reminded that on Saturday 30 November the annual Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge will see thousands of cyclists take to the roads around the lake. Cyclists will be heading north on State Highway 1 between Turangi and Taupō and drivers are asked to be patient and allow plenty of room when passing.

Lake Taupō Cycle Challenge (external link)

The SH1 East Taupō Arterial is closed until early December, with traffic detoured down Broadlands Road, Ohaaki Road and SH5. The Gravel Grind course for the Cycle Challenge crosses Broadlands Road twice, with Stop/Go traffic control in place to give the crossing cyclists priority in both locations.

NZTA recommends drivers allow extra time for journeys if travelling through Taupō on 30 November and we also suggest checking Journey Planner for the latest traffic and travel information.

Journey Planner(external link)

Wairakei to Reporoa full road closure map [PDF, 561 KB]

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

State Highway 1 (SH1) at Karāpiro, south of Cambridge, will be closed for 4 days in January for maintenance and repair work.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Waikato Bay of Plenty Regional Manager of Maintenance and Operations, Roger Brady says during the closure all traffic will need to take detours or alternative routes to avoid the area.

“A closure is the most efficient and safest way to complete the necessary works. The closure is between Karāpiro Road south to SH1/29 at Piarere and runs from midnight on Sunday 12 January to midnight on Thursday 16 January 2025.

“To get maintenance and repair work done quickly, safely and cost effectively, these full closures will become a regular event – up to 3 to 4 times a year. We appreciate this will have a major impact on people and we will give as much notice as possible of closures,’’ says Mr Brady.

During the January works, contractors will lay 42,000m2 of chipseal and apply a second seal on barrier areas and shoulders. They will also carry out works at the intersection with Maungatautari Road, and general maintenance such as mowing and sign repairs.

All properties within the closure and sideroads leading to it will have access maintained but delays are expected. Vehicles will be grouped and piloted through the site on the following schedule:

• Northbound from near the SH1/29 roundabout: Leaving on the hour.
• Southbound from Karāpiro Road: Leaving on the half hour.
• People coming from sideroads will join the convoy as it passes their road.

All visitors and service providers can join this piloted access when they are visiting a property within the closure. 

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

Detour routes

While access to properties within the closure will be maintained, all other traffic should use the detours:

• Karāpiro Road/Taotaoroa Road/SH29 in both directions with a speed restriction of 70km/h.
• State highway traffic and freight will be encouraged to use SH26/SH27.  HPMVs and over-dimension loads also need to use SH26/SH27. This will add approximately 50 minutes to journeys.
• Inter-regional traffic will be encouraged to use other routes like SH2/SH27 to the east of the closure. This will add approximately 18 minutes to journeys.

Traffic presenting at the stacking points at the north and south of the works area will not be turned around and can join the piloted convoys.

“We understand this work and the associated closures will cause inconvenience and we appreciate everyone’s patience.

“Our state highway network is essential for moving people and goods around the country, and this work is necessary to ensure the road is safe and accessible for everyone who travels on it,” says Mr Brady.

As always, work is weather dependent and any changes will be updated on Journey Planner.

Journeys.nzta.govt.nz(external link)

Karāpiro road closure map [PDF, 366 KB]

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

The National Ticketing Solution (NTS) known as Motu Move, started its pilot of contactless payments yesterday on the Route 29 bus from Christchurch airport to the city

On that bus route, customers can now pay for adult non-concession fares with debit or credit cards or devices, alongside the existing Metrocard and cash payment options.

“We’re excited to have this key component of the Motu Move solution available for Route 29’s regular users and visitors to the city to try over the summer,”  says NTS Executive Sponsor Yogesh Anand.

“The implementation of the first phase of Motu Move will start in Timaru and Temuka in early 2025 followed by Greater Christchurch. Customers will then be able to choose to use their debit or credit card, or a prepaid Motu Move card, and will be able to add fare concessions to any of those payment methods. “

Motu Move is scheduled to be live in all regions across New Zealand by the end of 2026.

More information about the rollout in Canterbury will be finalised soon, along with an updated schedule for subsequent regional rollouts.  

For details on the Route 29 pilot and more information about Motu Move, go to:

www.motumove.govt.nz(external link)

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Early work begins next Monday (9 December) at the site of a major underslip on State Highway 35 at Kopuaroa, north of Tokomaru Bay.

Next week’s work will involve moving the guard rail from the edge-line to the centre-line, and setting up the site, ahead of repair work on the underslip beginning in January 2025.

This section of state highway has been down to one lane with traffic lights since Cyclone Gabrielle and will remain as one lane for the remainder of the project.

Transport Rebuild East Coast (TREC) alliance crews, on behalf of NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, expect to finish the repair work in May 2025 and return this section of SH35 back to two lanes.

The slip repair will involve inserting soil nails into the rockface, constructing a shotcrete wall and reinstating the road shoulder.

This site at Kopuaroa is one of a number on SH35 between Ruatoria and Te Puia Springs underway before Christmas.

These include Kahuitara (Jeru) Culvert, Makarika Valley #3, Kopuaroa Stream Bridge and Kopuaroa underslip. While Kahuitara Culvert and Makarika Valley #3 are expected to finish before Christmas, both Kopuaroa sites will continue into the New Year as well as a third Kopuaroa site planned to get underway in mid-January.

Sites will either be under stop/go traffic management or have traffic lights. It’s important to respect temporary speed restrictions and follow the instructions from crews onsite, to keep road users, communities and roading crews safe.

This summer roadworkers are out across the country 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.

NZTA and TREC advises road users to plan their journeys and expect delays while we continue to boost the resilience and safety of SH35 and ultimately efficiency for communities and road users.

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Roading crews will be turning their attention to a stretch of State Highway 2 just north of Waipawa from January.

The road rebuild will be carried out in stages from 13 January to the end of March. Crews will focus on a 500 metre stretch of SH2, between Tamumu Road and Victoria Street.

Work will initially be focussed on installing new kerbs and improving channels. This is a continuation of the kerb and channel work undertaken in this section earlier this year.

Once the kerbs and channels are completed, crews will start rebuilding the road surface. This will involve recycling the existing road materials with cement added to the road, to improve and extend the life of the road and improve the journey through this section.

“Our crews will be working days and some nights to speed up the works and complete the job as quickly as possible,” says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Regional Manager of Maintenance and Operations Rua Pani.

“There will be different traffic management set ups at different stages of the work which will be communicated before the works begin. We advise road users to please expect short delays through this worksite at times and to plan their journeys accordingly.”

“We know this work will involve some disruption for road users and residents, and for local businesses and communities in the area. We also know Waipawa has already seen its fair share of work during earlier improvements on the main street and we are working with Central Hawkes’ Bay District Council (CHBDC) to minimise the impact these works will have on the community.”

“We know State Highway 2 needs this work and it’s long overdue,” said Central Hawke’s Bay Mayor Alex Walker.

“It’s going to be tough on the community and everyone passing through, but we’re pushing for NZTA to get in and get the job done quickly. We’re focussed on making sure the impacts are managed as much as possible and that everyone knows what to expect.”

This work is part of a larger NZTA road renewal programme aimed at improving the safety and reliability of the Hawke’s Bay region’s state highways.

“Ultimately, this work will improve the efficiency of travel for all road users, hopefully minimising disruptions in future,” says Ms Pani.