SH1 Loop Road safety improvements

17 December 2025

We did it!

If you have driven through the project area, you will have noticed that the final road surface was laid down at the end of November, bringing us to the end of Stage 2 of the SH1 Loop Road Safety Improvements Programme.

Now that the project is complete, temporary traffic management has been removed. We recommend extra caution in the area as road users get used to the new layout. You may also see some cones and workers out doing some small finishing works over the summer.

Delivering a critical piece of safety infrastructure for Northland

The project has progressed steadily from early ground improvements and preload works in 2023, through major bridge piling, retaining wall construction, and Super‑T beam installation in 2024. By March 2025, the Otaika Bridge opened to single‑lane traffic, with northbound vehicles rerouted and Oaks Road tied into its permanent alignment.

The final piece of the puzzle was laying 14,000m² of Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) — approximately 2,000 tonnes! SMA is a high-friction mix designed for higher-speed environments, harsher braking conditions and long-term durability.

Benefits of the project

• The roundabout has significantly improved safety and freight efficiency on SH1, particularly for vehicles exiting Loop Road (North).
• Changes to the Portland Road intersection have improved safety with greater sight visibility and separation from state highway traffic, when turning in and out of Portland Road.
• The closure of Loop Road (South) has improved safety by removing conflicting turning movements at the SH1/Portland Road intersection.
• The closure of Loop Road (South) has improved safety for the Otaika Valley School community, by significantly reducing vehicle numbers, including heavy vehicles, passing the school.
• Safety improvements to the SH1/SH15 Loop Road intersection and the SH1/Portland Road intersection ensures communities, visitors, and freight travel safely across the state highway network south of Whangārei.
• Improved stormwater management and riparian planting will enhance the environment and prevent untreated stormwater entering the Otaika Stream.

Thank You

We’re grateful for your patience throughout this journey.
As the year draws to a close, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a safe, happy holiday season!

More information

For more information on the SH1 Loop Road safety improvements project, contact us at looproad@nzta.govt.nz 

Visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/loop-road