We're making the road safer

Since we started work in November to make State Highway 33 (SH33) safer we have widened road shoulders on some sections and planning is underway on the remaining stages.

Construction has been split into stages because the route is 34km long and includes some difficult terrain.

We’re putting in a wide centreline from Paengaroa to the SH33/30 Te Ngae Junction, flexible roadside barriers at high-risk locations, new signs, line marking, rumble strips,
a potential passing lane and straightening out sharp curves. We’re also putting in line marking and landscaping to slow down traffic in Paengaroa, Okere Falls and Mourea.
For a better idea of what’s being done take a look at the project map.

What's happening

Stage one

Stage 1A near Paengaroa - in construction

100km/h area - widening the shoulders on both sides of the road and installing flexible roadside safety barriers in some locations.

70km/h area - shoulder widening in some locations and new road markings.

The road sealing, line marking and barriers will be finished after winter due to weather restrictions.

Stage 1B – work starting later this year

Work is planned to start between Okere Falls and the SH33/30 Te Ngae Junction in the next few months. By Christmas, we’ll have widened the road shoulder and installed flexible roadside barriers in the current 100km/h areas. In Mourea and Okere Falls there will be a number of improvements made aimed at slowing down traffic. In Okere Falls this includes a pedestrian island near the cafe.

Stage 1C – work starting soon

Work is planned to start south of Allport Road by July but it will be slow going during winter and any wet weather. Work should pick up around August and by Christmas we will have widened the road shoulder, put in flexible roadside barriers and new line marking.

Stage two

Stage two has been split into three sections and work is expected to start by the end of this year or early 2019.

Stage three

Stage three has also been split into three sections and work is expected to start by the end of 2019 and all going to plan this project will be finished mid-2021.

What about speed?

We know that high speeds are a concern in Paengaroa, Okere Falls and between Mourea and Te Ngae Junction. We are still working with our partners to investigate speed related concerns and we are considering a review so the speed limit is safe and appropriate. 

Keep up to date

Tell your friends and family to sign up for updates by visiting our webpage.

More information

For more information on the SH33 Te Ngae Junction to Paengaroa project, or if you have any questions, please get in touch with Justin Rae, our Community Engagement Manager, on 021 390 732 or email justin.rae@saferoads.co.nz

Visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/tnj2p