SH3 New Plymouth to Hāwera

Project update

1 July 2025

Works to deliver a roundabout and other improvements at the Mangorei Road intersection are moving closer to completion.

Roundabout build tracking ahead of schedule

The new roundabout at the SH3 intersection with Mangorei Road is tracking ahead of schedule, with completion targeted by the end of this year.

"Great progress has been made since contractors started work last November – and we're confident of beating our original time estimate of 15-18 months," says Project Manager Sree Nutulapati. 

Mr Nutulapati says much of the work that's been completed is easy to overlook, as the focus is naturally on the roundabout structure itself.

In addition to creating the roundabout, the work programme has included:

• construction of the intersection's kerbing, and channelling for stormwater runoff
• reconstruction of the road surface and underlying road structure
• relocation of services including fibre, lighting and power
• drainage works, including a rain garden in the centre of the roundabout
• shoulder widenings
• driveway reconstructions for nearby affected properties
• installation of splitter islands on the roundabout approaches.

Works will continue through the winter period, including:

• construction of concrete paths for pedestrians and cyclists
• signage installation
• further drainage works south of the roundabout.

"There's a lot more to building a roundabout than you'd think," adds Mr Nutulapati. "And of course this particular project also includes an off-road cycle path, from the roundabout south to Burgess Hill.

"We're pleased to be progressing so well with the numerous project deliverables, all the while doing everything we can to keep our impact on road users and residents to a minimum.

"As we get into the heart of winter, there's an increased chance of weather delays, but with the progress made to date we're feeling positive about delivering the project ahead of schedule."

Further north towards New Plymouth city, improvements at the Junction Street intersection are due for completion soon.

Mr Nutulapati says: "All stormwater works have recently been completed, we're more than 85% through kerb and channel works, and road surface construction and final driveway alterations will be completed by the end of July."

Once completed the improvements at the Mangorei Road and Junction Street intersections will also deliver 2km of wide centreline, as shown in the image below.

Wide centrelines are two lines marked in the centre of the road that keep opposing traffic further apart than standard centreline markings. Widening the centreline means more space between you and oncoming vehicles. It’s a simple and effective way to steer drivers away from each other – giving time to react and helping prevent crashes if someone makes a mistake.