SH1B Telephone Road Update

The upgrade of the rail crossing and intersection passes the halfway mark

10 April 2025

Preparation and materials for culvert drainage works

Work continues on SH1B improvements

The project to upgrade State Highway 1B Telephone Road railway crossing has past the halfway mark and activity on site is ramping up. 

Pavement construction is currently underway with our contractor, Higgins, tackling the task of raising the road to significantly decrease the height difference with the railway line.

As well as raising the road, the shoulders are being widened on all sides of the Telephone Road/Holland Road intersection. This will allow space for turning vehicles and allow vehicles to move out of the way of the railway crossing if needed.

In addition to the work happening above ground, plenty is happening below it. The culverts around the intersection were found to be in poor condition and while the road is closed, the opportunity is being taken to replace these. 

A 375mm culvert has been added alongside Marshmeadow Road, while a 900mm culvert will be installed this week under Holland Road. 

Over the next month or so, the road will continue to be built up before surfacing can begin. Then as we get near completion, new lights and signage will be installed to improve safety around the rail crossing and intersection. 

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Chief Executive Brett Gliddon (second from left) visits the works at SH1B Telephone Road railway crossing

SH1B railway crossing

Update on crossing re-opening

Work to upgrade the rail crossing at SH1B Telephone Road and adjacent Holland Road intersection is progressing well, with work on track to finish around mid-May.

When the roading part of the project is complete, Holland Road at the intersection with Marshmeadow Road will reopen to traffic, after being closed at the start of work in February.

SH1B and the rail crossing will remain closed to traffic until railway signals have been put in place and both KiwiRail and NZ Transport Agency have agreed that it is safe to do so.

KiwiRail have advised that their signal work is scheduled to take place in the second half of July, however they are investigating options that may allow the crossing to reopen to traffic sooner.

We will keep the community updated when we have a confirmed date for the rail crossing to reopen.

Thank you to the community

As this project continues to progress, we have noticed a positive shift in how both drivers and cyclists are navigating the area.

We would also like to acknowledge the school students who are escorted through the site twice a day and thank them for their positive behaviour. This arrangement is working well and we are happy to help in this way as safety of the community is our top priority.

Lastly, we would like to thank the community for their continued patience while work is on going. We understand that roadworks are disruptive to the community as they add time and distance to everyday journeys, such as getting the kids to school or going to work.

We are working as quickly as we can to get these improvements completed and the railway crossing open.

If you would like to get in touch with us, please email Waikato.Projects@nzta.govt.nz and you can find more information about the project at nzta.govt.nz/projects/sh1b-telephone-road-rail-crossing/.