SH16 Brigham Creek to Waimauku

30 April 2026

Long life line marking and audio tactile profile marking installed on Stage 1 of the SH16 Brigham Creek to Waimauku improvements project.

April 2026 – Project Update

Tēnā koe and welcome to our final construction update for Stage 1 of the Brigham Creek to Waimauku improvements project.

With the final asphalt surfacing and road alignment completed in February and long life line marking and audio tactile profile marking installed over the last month, Stage 1 of the SH16 Brigham Creek to Waimauku improvements project - between Huapai and Waimauku - is now all but complete. 

The only remaining work is minor planting, which will take place during the planting season in May.

We’d like to extend our sincere thanks to the community for your patience and understanding throughout the Stage 1 construction period.

Below you’ll find a final update on Stage 1, along with the latest information on Stage 2. From here, we’ll continue to share updates as we reach major milestones in the next phase of the project.

Stage 1 is complete

State Highway 16 is a vital link for the local community and has an important role in providing resilience across the wider Upper North Island state highway network. To improve efficiency and safety, NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) is delivering extensive upgrades along the SH16 corridor between Brigham Creek and Waimauku.

On August 18 2023, representatives from NZTA, Te Kawerau ā Maki, Ngāti Whātua o Kaipara, Beca and Fulton Hogan gathered in Waimauku to bless the site, marking the start of Stage 1 construction. Now, some 2.5 years later, Stage 1 is complete and the corridor fully open.

The key improvements delivered in Stage 1 include:

• bridge upgrades and replacements to improve structural safety and long-term resilience
• construction of a common service trench, consolidating utilities in a single corridor.  This improves asset visibility, ensures accurate records of what has been built and where for long term maintenance and upgrades, and reduces the risk of accidental damage during future works.
• new turnaround bays, reducing the need for right turn movements into properties and improving traffic flow and safety
• culvert replacements to enhance drainage performance, road safety and network resilience during severe weather events
• new stormwater network, including treatment devices and swales to remove contaminants before they enter waterways
• roadside safety barriers to protect road users from roadside hazards
• pavement rehabilitation for greater durability and resilience
• installation of a flush median, helping to prevent head-on crashes and reduce lane departure incidents
• improved road geometry, shoulders and line marking, providing better visibility and a safer journeys for all road users.

Again, we would like to thank the local community and road users for their patience and support over the past 2.5 years.  These improvements are essential for the safety of the community and wider travelling public, and they could not have been delivered without your cooperation.

Here’s a look back at Stage 1 construction in action.

Start to finish of the upgraded Berry Bridge

Different stages of constructing the new SH16 pavement

Stage 2 - SH16 Brigham Creek to Waimuaku

We’re continuing to make good progress on Stage 2, which will be delivered in 3 sections as shown on the map above.

• Section 1 - Brigham Creek roundabout to just past the new Coatesville Riverhead roundabout
• Section 2 - Coatesville Riverhead roundabout to the Taupaki roundabout 
• Section 3 - Taupaki roundabout to Kumeū 

Stage 2 is now in the property acquisition phase, as shown in the project timeline below. Acquisition has begun with properties in Section 1 and 2, with Section 3 to follow. All affected property owners have been contacted with information on the next steps.

Once property acquisition in Section 1 is complete, the project will move into the construction phase, beginning in Section 1 and progressing along the corridor.

During construction, traffic management will be in place to ensure the safety of both road users and construction crews. This may include detours and night time work. We’ll work to minimise disruption for the community, and any impacts will be communicated in advance and managed by the construction partner.

Further details will be confirmed once a construction partner has been appointed.

Consent approvals 

As we’ve shared previously, we’ve recommenced the Notice of Requirement (NoR) consenting process and re-engaged with Auckland Council to progress the application for an alteration to the SH16 designation.

The NoR has been notified and submissions have been received. We’ll provide an update once Auckland Council has finalised its decision on the NoR application.

Please note that this is a separate process to property acquisition. 

 A guide to Notice of Requirement

More information

If you would like more information on the SH16 Brigham Creek to Waimauku project, please visit nzta.govt.nz/projects/sh16-brigham-creek-and-waimauku or email us sh16safetyimprove@nzta.govt.nz