Category: Transport

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) and Auckland Transport (AT) are urging people to plan ahead and check the latest information before travelling in the city tomorrow, with the North Island hīkoi (march) expected to result in significant disruptions and delays on the state highway network and on local roads, including through the Auckland CBD.

NZTA and AT are working with NZ Police to prepare for possible disruptions from the planned hīkoi, which is scheduled to arrive in Auckland on Tuesday evening.

NZ Police is leading the operational planning and response to the hīkoi, which has the potential to cause significant congestion, disruption and delays on key highways and arterial routes in the city tomorrow.

NZTA has agreed with Police that two lanes on the Auckland Harbour Bridge will be closed from early Wednesday morning in order to ensure the safety of hīkoi participants and road users. This will affect morning peak hour traffic in both directions. The lanes will be re-opened to traffic as soon as it is safe to so.

Closures will be in place at the Stafford Road offramp, Curran Street onramp, and the two outer northbound lanes of the bridge itself. The Shelly Beach Road southbound offramp will also be closed.

NZTA and AT will be closely monitoring the impact of the hīkoi on the city’s transport network through our Auckland Transport Operations Centre, and we will provide real-time updates for road users on any delays or disruptions.

Road users travelling to work or school are advised to allow extra time and plan their route using the NZ Transport Agency Journey Planner.

Journey Planner(external link)

Buses may experience delays or need to be detoured throughout the day. Auckland public transport users should allow extra time and plan ahead before travelling.

For the most up to date information including live tracking of buses, go to Live Departures on at.govt.nz or the AT Mobile app. To get notified of any major impact to your journey, subscribe to notifications for your bus route in the AT Mobile app.

AT live departures(external link)

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) welcomes the recent sentencing of a former vehicle inspector for dishonestly accessing the Motor Vehicle Register (MVR) and issuing fraudulent warrants of fitness (WoFs), noting the sentence should serve as a deterrent to others.

Former vehicle inspector Diosdado Junior Subayno Pugosa was sentenced to five months’ home detention in the North Shore District Court on 30 October 2024 for the offending.

Following a tip off, an investigation by NZTA found that from 20 August 2022 to 24 July 2023 Mr Pugosa recorded and issued 94 WoFs for vehicles he had not properly inspected.  

During sentencing, District Court Judge Fraser acknowledged the public safety concern and that it was clear that Mr Pugosa had not properly checked the vehicles before issuing WoFs. Judge Fraser said Mr Pugosa needed to be held accountable for the harm done to his employer and the WoF system on which the community depends.  

As soon as the fraud was identified, Mr Pugosa’s vehicle inspector appointment was suspended and then revoked (cancelled) by NZTA. WoFs issued by him were also revoked and affected vehicle owners were asked to get a new WoF to ensure their vehicles were safe to drive. 

“We take swift action and hold vehicle inspectors to account when vehicle safety is compromised. A WoF is a general safety check and the consequences of a vehicle not being thoroughly checked and passed as safe to be driven are high. An unsafe vehicle on the road puts the driver, passengers and other road users’ safety at risk,” says Nicole Botherway, NZTA Senior Manager Safer Vehicles. 

The NZTA Safer Vehicles team regularly reviews inspecting organisations and vehicle inspectors to check compliance. If serious non-compliance is found, the team ensures that the right regulatory response is applied, including enforcement action. 

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

A stretch of State Highway 3 Courtenay Street in New Plymouth will be closed to southbound traffic overnight later this month while crews work to rebuild the road.

The work, between Courtenay and Pendarves Streets, will start on the evening on Thursday 21 November and is expected to take 12 nights to complete.

Crews will operate between 7pm and 6am on Sunday–Friday each week. Work will not take place on Saturday nights.

During the work, SH3 between Pendarves and Courtenay Street will be closed to southbound traffic at night between 7pm and 6am. Northbound traffic will continue to have access.

The intersection of SH3 and SH45 Leach Street (southbound) will remain open to all traffic during works, but may be reduced to a single lane at times.

Access to side streets, such as SH3 Courtney Street and Lemon Street, will be impacted during works.

Alternative routes will be available – please follow the directions of onsite crews.

Access to all businesses and homes in the work area will be maintained throughout the works.

Outside working hours, all roads within the site will be open during the day, with a temporary lower speed in place.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is advising road users to plan their overnight journeys. Please be patient as crews undertake the work.

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Drivers heading through Tākaka are urged to be ready for road resurfacing work starting in the Golden Bay town next week.

Contractors will complete extensive resurfacing work on Commercial Street in Tākaka, with 10 nights of closures planned from 17 to 28 November.   

To keep drivers and contractors safe, the highway will be closed to all traffic between Meihana Street and Motupipi Street from 7 pm to 6:30 am. No work will be done on Friday, 22, or Saturday, 23 November.

The resurfacing is essential maintenance and will help ensure the road is kept safe and reliable for everyone.

Contractors will be doing their best to keep disruption to an absolute minimum. They will work overnight when there is less traffic, and the road will be open to traffic during the day. 

Once asphalting is complete, road markings will be reinstated under night works with stop/go controls and a 30 km/h speed limit.  

During the night closures, a detour will be in place via Meihana Street and Motupipi Street.  This detour is expected to add up to five minutes to travel times.  

Works schedule:

• Sunday, 17 November to Thursday, 28 November (excluding Friday 22 and Saturday 23 November), 7 pm – 6:30 am.
• The worksite is located on SH60, Commercial Street in the Tākaka township, between Meihana Street and Motupipi Street.
• During the work, the worksite will be closed to all traffic. Road users must detour via Meihana Street and Motupipi Street.
• During the closure access to Buxton Lane will be via Motupipi Street. There will be no access between SH60 and Buxton Lane.
• There will be times when direct access to Junction Street or Riley Street from SH60 will be impacted. To ensure continuous access to these streets during work hours, access from SH60 to one of these streets will remain open. Follow onsite signage.
• Outside of the closure time, State Highway 60 will reopen between 6:30am and 5:30pm but a reduced temporary speed limit of 30km/h will be in place.
• These works are weather-dependent and may be delayed.

View larger map [PNG, 177 KB]

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

A better road and safer travel are coming for drivers using State Highway 63 near the Wye River.

Road reconstruction work is planned for the highway between Wairau Valley and Birch Hill for three weeks in December.

Road crews will be on the job from Monday, 2 December, through to Friday, 20 December. 

Mark Owen, Regional Manager Wellington/Top of the South, says it is an integral part of the state highway summer maintenance programme.

“State Highway 63 is a critical transport link between Blenheim and the West Coast. It is also a key part of network resilience as it is the main alternative route to Nelson if State Highway 6 closes.”

“Keeping it in good repair is essential for residents, businesses, and the freight industry. This is why a long-term fix, like a road rebuild, is critical. It improves the route’s resilience, reduces future maintenance demands, and makes it safer,” Mr Owen says.

The work will be carried out during the day from Monday to Friday under stop/go traffic controls. Drivers will need to factor in around 10-minute delays through the area.

Mr Owen says temporary speed limits will be in place while the repairs are underway.

“Drivers must follow these speed limits. They keep drivers and road crews safe, protect the road surface, and prevent vehicle damage. Speeding through road works sites isn’t good for anyone.”

And Mr Owen says drivers must plan for the short delays the road works will cause.

“If you are driving between Renwick and St Arnaud, allow an extra 20 minutes for your journey. Just to make sure you get to your destination on time.”

He acknowledges there are a lot of road works in the region in the run-up to Christmas. But Mr Owen says the timing is carefully chosen.

“This work can only be done when the weather is warm and dry. Road rebuilds and resurfacing need these conditions to be durable and effective.”

“We are doing our absolute best to reduce their impact. This is why it is happening after Marlborough Anniversary weekend and will be completed before the busy Christmas holiday season. We want the road to be clear when traffic is at its busiest,” Mr Owen says.

Works schedule

• Monday, 2 December to Friday, 20 December 2024. Weekdays 7 am – 5 pm (no night-time or weekend work).
• Stop/go controls and a 30 km/h temporary speed limit will be in place during work hours. Expect delays of up to 10 minutes at this site but allow an extra 20 minutes travel time on SH63 between Renwick and St Arnaud due to other work sites.
• A 30 km/h reduced temporary speed limit will remain in place outside of work hours.
• Access for emergency services will be available at all times.

View larger map [PNG, 279 KB]

Summer maintenance season – tips and advice

• The work is part of the $147 million 2024/27 National Land Transport Programme investment in state highways across the top of the South Island.
• Drivers need to be aware other summer maintenance and resilience works are happening around the region.
• Due to the number of worksites on each corridor we recommend allowing an extra 45 minutes travel time on State Highway 6 between Nelson and West Coast and State Highway 6 between Nelson and Blenheim.We recommend allowing an extra 60-minutes travel time on State Highway 1 between Picton and Christchurch.
• Drivers should check road conditions before they travel as knowing when and where road works are happening means you can time your travel to avoid them or allow extra time for your trip.
• Whenever you come to a worksite, remember that our road workers are doing their best to complete their work and keep you moving. Please be respectful and follow their advice and instructions.
• National Land Transport Programme 2024/27. Top of the South Regional Investment Summary [PDF, 230 KB]
• State Highway maintenance – Frequently Asked Questions
• Tips for driving through worksites (video)(external link)

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

Update 3:50pm: State Highway 6, Hira to Rai Valley, is now expected to remain closed into this evening.

Contractors are working hard to reopen the road, however there are trees at the top of the rockfall that must be removed before slip and rockfall debris can be cleared.

A further update will be provided at 8 pm or when the highway’s status changes.

Drivers are asked to avoid the area and continue using the detour via State Highway 63 and the Wairau Valley.

Updates on the highway’s status can be found on the NZTA/Waka Kotahi website:

Highway conditions – Nelson/Marlborough(external link)

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State Highway 6 is currently closed between Hira and the Rai Valley following a rock fall on the route earlier this afternoon.

The slip, reported shortly after midday, has blocked one lane on Whangamoa Hill, and more material above the road is at risk of falling.

For safety reasons, the highway is closed while contractors bring machinery to the site to clear the fallen rock and remove overhanging debris.

Drivers are asked to avoid the area and delay their travel.

The closure means there is no direct route between Nelson and Blenheim, and the only alternative route is via SH6 to Renwick, onto SH63 Wairau Valley/St Arnaud, right at the intersection of SH6/63 Kawatiri Junction onto SH6 and north to Nelson. The reverse applies to people travelling from Nelson to Marlborough.

This is a longer route and can add 30 minutes or more to travel times. Drivers must factor this into their travel plans – particularly those with Picton ferry connections.

View larger map [PNG, 923 KB]

Work is underway to reopen the highway, but the closure is expected to remain in place for the rest of the afternoon. The next update will be at 6 pm or when the highway’s status changes.

Updates on the highway can also be found on the NZTA/Waka Kotahi website:

Highway conditions – Nelson/Marlborough(external link)

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) says SH6 between Haast and Knights Point will remain closed until the end of this week at least while contractors work to clear rockfall debris and assess the stability of the road.

“We are working urgently to assess the stability of the rockfall site above the road at the northern end, as well as investigating cracking in the road at the southern end,” says Mark Pinner, System Manager for NZTA in the Central Region of the South Island.

Mr Pinner says a top priority is ensuring the safety of contractors – this is still an unstable site, with further rockfall activity occurring overnight on Sunday.

A rock scaling crew is now on site and will begin removing rocks and debris above the road at the northern site today. This work may take up to three days to complete safely, given the instability of the site.

“We understand that this is an essential lifeline and tourist highway for the wider West Coast, Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago Districts and we are working urgently to re-establish the link around Knights Point as soon as it is safe for the public to use,” Mr Pinner says.

Summary

SH6 Epitaph Slip/Knights Point: Closure from Moeraki/Knights Point to Ship Creek/Haast – earliest possible reopening likely to be the end of this week, initially likely to be single-lane for passenger vehicles only, limited to daytime travel, weather-dependent.

There is no detour route for SH6 at Knights Point. People wanting to get to Greymouth or Hokitika will need to come via Arthur’s Pass or the Lewis Pass from the east coast for the time being, or delay their journeys.

SH6 Fox Glacier township to Moeraki: Closed currently, slip clearance is progressing well. Full public access expected late Monday.

Updates on the West Coast page of NZTA’s traffic and travel updates(external link)

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

The end of construction is in sight for new roundabouts being built on State Highway 6 near the Blenheim Airport.

The project is delivering improvements to the highway between Woodbourne and Springlands, with work ongoing since the beginning of this year.

One roundabout has already been completed, Saint Leonards Road and Bells Road, and a second one is under construction at the intersection of Tancred Crescent and State Highway 6.

Jetesh Bhula, Regional Manager Infrastructure Delivery, says the project is about to step up another gear, with sealing work planned  for late this month and early December.

“Both roundabouts need to be sealed. With an ultra-fine seal that is best for skid resistance at the roundabouts. We are in the final stages of this project, and the result will be safer intersections. One that allows drivers better access onto and across State Highway 6.”

“However, this work will require some extra road closures, and road users, residents, and businesses must know what’s happening and when. This is why we want to inform people what’s planned well in advance,” Mr Bhula says.

There will be a road closure on SH6 at St Leonard and Bells Road roundabout for sealing work during the day and night. For the Marlborough Airport roundabout, this will be completed during the evening with SH6 remaining closed in one direction along with Tancred Crescent being closed.

Mr Bhula says the Bells/ St Leonard Roads roundabout will be done first, from 29 November to 1 December during the day and night. Contractors are aiming to complete sealing works on the State Highway/Tancred Crescent from 3 to 4 December during the night to avoid interfering with travellers getting into and out of the airport.

“We understand the significant impact the sealing works and road closure will have. That’s why we are doing it during a weekend when there is less traffic on the road.  We will also ensure residents retain access to properties around the St Leonards/Bells Road roundabout.”

“Local road detours will be available, and we ask drivers to use the routes recommended. They are carefully chosen and are the best and safest options. Please use them,” Mr Bhula says.

The detours will mean extra travel time. Drivers must factor this into their journeys. Access will also be maintained through the work areas for emergency services.

Residents close to the work site will experience noise, lights, and vibration while the work is being undertaken. NZTA/Waka Kotahi apologises for any inconvenience this may cause.

Works schedule and detour routes

SH6 – Bells and St Leonards Roads Roundabout – day and night road closure:

• 10 pm Friday, 29 November to midnight Sunday, 1 December
• SH6 CLOSED between Jacksons Road and Westwood Avenue
• Detour via Old Renwick Road and Murphys Road. If travelling from Blenheim, detour via Murphys Road, Old Renwick Road, Jacksons Road onto the existing SH6 one-way closure
• Access into the Airport and NZ Defence Force base via Jacksons Road
• All heavy vehicles need to use Hutcheson Street (not Murphys Road)
• People travelling between Nelson and Blenheim are recommended to use SH62 and SH1 and avoid SH6 and Woodbourne.

View larger image [PNG, 398 KB]

SH6 – Tancred Crescent roundabout (outside the Airport) – night works:

• Weekday night works planned for early December (currently scheduled for Tuesday 3 and 4 December, with the following week Monday 9 and Tuesday 10 December contingency)
• Please note dates may change if there is bad weather
• Tancred Crescent (entry into the airport and base) will be CLOSED
• The current set up on SH6 will be in place, which is a one direction lane closure between Jacksons Road and Caldwell Road West. (Eastbound direction is closed)
• Work will take place between 9.00pm and 4.30am, to avoid flight times
• Emergency services including the fire and emergency based at the airport and emergency flights will always be catered for
• People travelling from Nelson/Renwick into Blenheim will need to take a detour. The detour will be via Old Renwick Road and Jacksons Road for light vehicles
• Heavy vehicles will need to take the same route to Anglesea Street, then left onto Boyce Street and onto SH6. Right onto Rapaura Road/SH62, right on Jacksons Road and back onto SH6.

Current detour on SH6/Tancred Cres Roundabout (please note entrance to the airport both the temporary road out of the airport and Tancred Cres will be CLOSED during the night works while sealing work is underway).

View larger image [PNG, 400 KB]

More information

SH6 Middle Renwick Road/Tancred Cres roundabout

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

A stretch of State Highway 51 in Awatoto will be closed at the beginning of next month while crews apply a final seal to the road.

This section of state highway will be closed for 10 nights, from Monday 2 December between 8pm and 5am every day.

The road will be closed between Waitangi Road and Ellison Street. Work is expected to be complete by 5am on Wednesday 11 December.  Work will start on the northern end of the road, between Ellison Street and the roundabout before moving further south, between the roundabout and Waitangi Road.

While work is taking place at the northern end, the southern section of that stretch will be open and vice versa.

During the work in the northern section, road users will be detoured onto Te Awa Avenue;  when crews are working in the southern section, southbound road users will be detoured right onto Awatoto Road, right onto Meeanee Road and onto State Highway 2 / Hawke’s Bay Expressway. Northbound road users will be detoured onto Waitangi Road then back onto SH51 at the roundabout.

At all other times, during the day, the road will be open with a temporary speed limit in place.

Speeding over a freshly sealed road can damage the new seal, lifting and flicking stones from the road that can, in turn, damage nearby vehicles or your own. To minimise the risk of damage to both vehicles and the new seal, it is crucial that road users adhere to all temporary speed restrictions in place.

The new roundabout at Awatoto Road and safety improvement project was completed earlier this year. At that time, crews made a commitment to return to the state highway later this year to apply a second and final coat of seal and asphalt.

Revisiting a site to apply a final coat of seal is normal practice for all new roads.

The second seal will further boost the resilience of the new road, the safety and ultimately the efficiency of travel.

Please allow extra time for the detour and plan accordingly. NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi would like to thank road users for their patience during the closure.