NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is gearing up for a busy summer with significant renewal work scheduled across the Bay of Plenty and Waikato to ensure the region’s highways are safe and accessible. Sandra King, NZTA Bay of Plenty System Manager, said road users will notice more road crews and work sites over the next few months – from now through to the end of March 2025. “We’re doing as much work as possible between now and mid-December to reduce the impact on people’s journeys during the busy holiday season. However, to achieve this we are also heavily reliant on the weather and other factors co-operating.

The programme will focus on the following key areas: 1. Road surface renewal, 2. Drainage improvements, 3. Safety enhancements, and 4.

The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) has implemented a number of initiatives to improve road safety and traffic flow. One such initiative is the NZTA Journey Planner, a web-based tool that provides real-time information on traffic conditions, road closures, and disruptions. The NZTA Journey Planner is a valuable resource for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.

· SH29 Takitimu Drive Toll Road: A reduced speed limit of 70km/h is in place while Takitimu North Link Stage 1 crews are working behind the barriers. More information · Cambridge/Moffat roads: There will be stop/go on Cambridge Road from Monday 24 September for 2 weeks (weather dependent). This is for the final footpath, kerbing, and Island installation work. Traffic management will be in place from 9am to 3pm More Information · SH2 Bay Link: SH2 Bayfair flyover will be closed overnight from Sunday 22 September to Wednesday 25 September, between approximately 8pm and 5am each night. For all vehicles heading southbound, a signposted detour via Maunganui Road/SH29 Te Maunga Interchange will apply. For all vehicles heading northbound, a signposted detour via SH29 Te Maunga Interchange/Maunganui Road will apply. Exeter Street will be closed overnight Tuesday 24 September between approximately 8pm and 5am. Vehicle access to properties within this closure will be available via Eversham Road. For all vehicles heading southbound, a signposted detour via Maunganui Road, SH29 Te Maunga Interchange, SH29A roundabout, Maunganui Road, Bayfair roundabout, Girven Road and Eversham Road will apply. For more information and detour routes, visit nzta.govt.nz/baylink-traffic

· SH2 Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road (TELTR): The Tauranga City Council led project continues. A 2km section of SH2, just past the Kaituna River bridge continues to be reduced to a single lane in each direction to allow construction of the Pāpāmoa East interchange to progress. This closure will remain in place for the duration of construction, with a temporary 70km/h speed limit in place. More information. · SH2 TELTR: The Quayside Properties Ltd-led Rangiuru Business Park Interchange project continues. Temporary barriers remain in place until the first week of November 2024, with 1 lane available in either direction. A temporary speed limit of 70km/h applies through the site. More information .

Western Bay of Plenty · SH2 Ōmokoroa Road: Road widening and service relocation works are underway in preparation for the new roundabout. Lane shifts are in place along with speed restrictions. There will be intermittent stop/go traffic management in place which may cause longer delays. Follow the temporary signs and directions of the traffic management team and watch for layout changes. Expect minor delays especially during peak times. More information. · SH2 / Youngson Road, near Ōmokoroa: As part of the Western Bay of Plenty District Council led Ōmokoroa Roundabout project, from 25 September through to 26 October Youngson Road will be closed. This is to enable contractors to install critical services such as power and fibre. A detour is available via Old Highway joining SH2 at Barrett Road.

A. Roundabout Construction: Improving Traffic Flow on SH2 Apata Station Road
B.

· SH2 Apata Station Road: Construction of a new roundabout is underway. The roundabout will be a key element in improving traffic flow and reducing congestion. · SH2 Apata Station Road: The construction of a new roundabout is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.

This project aims to improve safety and traffic flow, particularly during peak hours. · SH29 Redwood Lane: SH29 Redwood Lane is undergoing a major upgrade, including widening, resurfacing, and the installation of new traffic lights. This project aims to address congestion and improve safety.

· SH2 Ōtamarākau: Road rehabilitation continues on SH2 near Ōtamarākau Valley Road. This work is expected to take 6 weeks, with completion expected mid-October Crews are on site from 6am to 6pm Monday to Saturday with stop/go traffic management in place, delays are to be expected. Rotorua · SH30 Eastern Corridor Stage Two: Construction continues on SH30 between Tumene Drive and Ōwhata roundabout. Night works on SH30 Te Ngae Road are scheduled for the new seal and line marking on Monday 30 September and Tuesday 1 October, weather dependent. Detours for these works will be in place via Vaughan Road/Ōwhata Road. A temporary speed limit of 50km/h remains in place between Tumene Drive and the Ōwhata roundabout until resurfacing is completed. More information

· The road will be closed to all traffic, including pedestrians and cyclists. · The work will involve the removal of the existing road surface, followed by the installation of a new road surface. · The road will be resurfaced with a new asphalt mix, which is designed to be more durable and resilient.

Road rebuild work has begun at Onepū near Kawerau. This work is expected to take 5 weeks and will be completed late October, weather permitting. SH34 will be closed between Charteris Lane and the SH30 intersection between 8am and 4pm each day.

A. Bridge Undergoes Major Structural Assessment
B.

· SH38 Rangitaiki Bridge: The bridge is currently undergoing a major structural assessment. This assessment is being carried out by a specialist engineering firm and is expected to take several months to complete. · SH38 Rangitaiki Bridge: The bridge is currently closed to traffic. The closure is in place to allow for the structural assessment and the necessary repairs.

· SH2 Waioeka Gorge: A new bridge is being constructed at the site of the old bridge. This new bridge will be a two-lane bridge with a wider approach and a longer span. The new bridge will be built using prefabricated concrete elements.

The SH1/SH5 intersection at Wairakei is currently undergoing a major upgrade project. This project involves the construction of a new roundabout, which will improve traffic flow and safety. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

This section of the road works involves a third closure of the SH29 Piarere to North Tīrau road. This closure will be in effect for three weeks, starting from 29 September and will only be in effect at night. The work will include resurfacing, drainage improvements, and other essential maintenance.

This alternative route offers several advantages over the usual SH1 route. Firstly, it provides a more direct route, reducing travel time and distance. Secondly, it offers a scenic route with beautiful views of the Waikato River and surrounding countryside. Thirdly, it is a less congested route, with fewer traffic lights and stop signs, leading to smoother traffic flow.

* **Road Closure:** SH41 Tokaanu is closed due to a washout. * **Traffic Management:** The road is down to one lane with temporary traffic lights. * **Speed Restriction:** A 30km/h speed restriction is in place.

· The resurfacing work will be carried out by a contractor, and the road will be closed to traffic during the work. · The work is expected to start on Sunday 29 September and finish on Monday 30 September. · The contractor will be responsible for managing traffic flow and ensuring the safety of workers and motorists. · The project is expected to improve road safety and reduce the risk of accidents.

a) Waikato Region’s Traffic Nightmare
b) Tamahere Interchange:

· SH21 Tamahere Interchange: This interchange is a major bottleneck in the Waikato region, causing significant traffic congestion during peak hours. · SH21 Tamahere Interchange: The resurfacing project aims to improve the flow of traffic and reduce congestion. · SH21 Tamahere Interchange: The project is expected to be completed by the end of October.

· SH1 Cambridge Road to Hautapu: This closure is expected to cause significant disruption to traffic flow, particularly during peak hours. · SH1 Cambridge Road to Hautapu: The closure is necessary to ensure the safety of workers and the public. · SH1 Cambridge Road to Hautapu: The closure is expected to last for approximately 10 days.

North Waikato · SH1 Island Block Road to Mercer interchange: There will be a full northbound closure on Wednesday 25 September between 10pm and 5am. Traffic will still be able to travel north using one of the southbound lanes. Stop/go traffic management will also be in place at Mercer interchange. · SH2 Irish Road to Mangatawhiri Road: Stop/go will be in place on Tuesday 24 September between 9pm and 5am to carry out multiple maintenance activities such as line marking, vegetation control and resurfacing. Mangatawhiri eastbound off-ramp will be closed as part of this closure. Continue on SH2 and detour via Rawiri Road.

The maintenance work will be carried out by the Waikato District Council. The council has been working on improving the road’s condition for some time. This project is part of a larger effort to enhance the road’s safety and functionality. The work will be carried out in phases, with the first phase focusing on line marking and vegetation control.

· SH2 Wyatt Road to Coalfields Road: Stop/go traffic management will be in place on Thursday 26 September between 9pm and 5am to carry out multiple maintenance activities such as line marking, vegetation control and resurfacing. · SH2 Steen Road to Okaeria Road: Stop/go traffic management will be in place on Monday 23 and Thursday 26 September between 9pm and 5am to carry out multiple maintenance activities such as line marking, vegetation control and resurfacing. Taranaki · SH3 Waitara Road, Bell Block: A small section of Waitara Road will be closed from Sunday 15 September until late November to progress safety improvement work on SH3 in Taranaki, this work includes stormwater improvements, the relocation of underground services, and pavement works. During the closure a detour will be in place along Richmond Road, the detour will add an extra 5 minutes to journeys. SH3 through the intersection will remain open to traffic with a 50km/h temporary speed limit in place. More information

This document outlines the key aspects of the upcoming summer season, focusing on the anticipated events and activities that will be taking place. It highlights the importance of planning ahead, especially considering the potential for weather-related delays.