Te Ara Tūtohu: Waitara to Bell Block

13 December 2024

Kia ora!

Read on for the latest updates on Te Ara Tūtohu: SH3 Waitara to Bell Block safety improvements project.

Stage 1 of Waitara Road roundabout almost complete

The team constructing the roundabout and associated improvements at the intersection of State Highway 3 and Waitara Road will soon complete Stage 1 of works.

Stage 1 focused on laying the groundwork for the roundabout which saw the team:

• Complete stormwater work on Tate and Waitara Roads. This is needed to prevent flooding on the road and make sure stormwater is adequately treated before being released into the Waitara River.
• Relocate underground services (such as power, gas, and internet) along SH3 and Tate Road to ensure they remain accessible once the roundabout is complete.
• Move overhead powerlines underground to create space for improvements and improve safety.
• Rebuild the road along a section of Waitara Rd and Tate Rd East to ensure reliable access to the roundabout.
• Construct kerbs and footpaths along Waitara Rd and Tate Rd East.
• Install temporary pavement adjacent to the northbound lane of SH3 to allow for two lanes of traffic during the next stage of works.
• Make progress on the stormwater outfall for the Waitara Road roundabout.

During Stage 1, a section of Waitara Road was closed to allow works to take place safely and efficiently. This section of road has now reopened. Thank you to everyone for your patience and understanding during the closure.

In January the team will start on Stage 2 which involves:

• Rebuilding the road and completing stormwater work on the northbound lane of SH3 through the intersection.
• Relocating underground services and completing pavement and stormwater work on Raleigh Street (between SH3 and Tate Road).

Work on Stage 2 is expected to be completed by early March.

Traffic management

We are working with our contractor to ensure construction of the roundabout causes as little disruption as possible.

Shift from Stage 1 to Stage 2

Prior to starting on Stage 2, our contractor needs to relocate the temporary barrier currently in place on SH3, install flexible hit sticks, and complete line marking. The barrier helps keep workers and road users safe by separating the worksite from the live lanes.

This work will be completed over two nights from 7-8 January.

During this work stop/go traffic management will be in place through the intersection of SH3 and Waitara Road between 8pm and 5.30am. Road users should expect delays of up to 10 minutes.

During the day the road will be open to two lanes.

During Stage 2

Once the shift from Stage 1 to Stage 2 is complete. The following traffic management will be in place until early March:

• SH3 through the intersection with Waitara Road will remain open to two lanes of traffic with a temporary speed limit of 30km/h in place.
• The right turn into Raleigh Street from SH3 will remain closed.
• Tate Road, from the intersection with Raleigh Street though to SH3, will remain closed to everyone except residents while work is underway.
• At times, Stop/Go traffic management will be in place at the intersection of Tate Road and Raleigh Street when crews are working at the intersection. Expect delays of up to 5 minutes when Stop/Go traffic management is in place.

Future work

There will be 3 more stages of work for the Waitara Road roundabout following the completion of Stage 2:

• Stage 3 (March – mid-2025): During Stage 3, the section of the roundabout on the southbound lane will be constructed.
• Stage 4 (Mid 2025 – Late 2025): During Stage 4, the roundabout on the northbound lane will be constructed.
• Stage 5 (Late 2025): During Stage 5, pavement rehabilitation work will be completed on a section of SH3 north of the roundabout that needs strengthening.

Crews completing kerb and island installation and sealing at Waitara Road.

Have a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year

From midday Friday 20 December until Monday 6 January crews we will be taking a break to enjoy Christmas and New Year with our whanau and friends.

Everyone on the project team thanks you for your support over the last year and wishes you a safe and happy festive season.

More information

For more information on Te Ara Tūtohu: Waitara to Bell Block, contact us at w2bb@nzta.govt.nz

Visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/w2bb