SH43 Forgotten World Highway

Project update – 17 August 2023

Next stage of sealing work to begin

Work to seal the unsealed road through the Tāngarākau Gorge will get back underway in the coming weeks.

Contractor Inframax, the same crew who worked on the first 2km section, will be back to continue this important project for the region on behalf of Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

The team will be undertaking drainage work and building retaining walls at various locations over the next few months. Sealing work will be done between November and April.

The initial works will be completed under temporary speed limits and stop/go traffic control with delays of 10-15 minutes. At times crews may need to close the road for short periods but we will provide plenty of advanced warning of any closures.

While crews are working, please adhere to the temporary traffic management in place for everyone’s safety.

New guardrail means safer journeys for everyone

Further guardrails have also been installed along the route in recent months to reduce the risk of run off road crashes.

As this is a popular motorcycle route, the barriers have an additional rail which provides extra protection for motorcylists.

The new system works to reduce serious injuries and deaths by redirecting the rider along the barrier and away from the guardrail posts if they come off their motorbike.

Kahouri Stream Bridge build underway

West on the highway, work to build the new bridge over Kahouri Stream is progressing well. If you’ve driven through the area recently you may have noticed a lot of action to the left of the existing bridge. Crews have moved a tonne of earth and are now establishing the construction site.

Boreholes have been drilled to confirm ground conditions at the site of the bridge abutments and piers, Crews will begin installing piles the week commencing 21 August. Erosion and sediment controls have also been put in place.

The new bridge is expected to be complete mid-2024. 

Upcoming road closures on the route for maintenance works

Maintenance contractor Downer will be undertaking maintenance works, including slip clearing and pavement and drainage works at the following locations:

o SH43 at the Tahora Saddle, just south of Mangowata Road
o SH43 at the Tāngarākau Gorge
o SH43 between the Tāngarākau Gorge and the Paparata Saddle. 

Work is expected to start on 21 August and will take approximately two weeks to complete.

Due to the narrow, winding nature of the road, the work will need to be done under road closures between 9.30am and 2pm. Closing the road will enable crews to carry out the work as safely and efficiently as possible.

Road users are encouraged to avoid travel through the area where possible or check the Journey Planner ahead of travel for details of the closure points.

Crews may be working on various sites at once to get the work done as soon as possible when weather allows so closures may be in place at multiple locations. Residents can talk to crews on-site for access.

More information

For more information on the SH43 Forgotten World Highway project, contact us at fwh@nzta.govt.nz

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