Taranaki state highway planned roadworks

Saturday 29 November to Friday 5 December

28 November 2025

Kia ora,

Our road renewal programme in Taranaki is underway to ensure the region’s highways remain safe and reliable.

Below is an update on the works scheduled across Taranaki’s highways for the coming week.

Please take extra care when travelling near our work sites and keep an eye out for signage and crews.

Be aware that some minor dropouts remain on State Highway 43 (SH43) following October’s severe weather. These will be repaired over the coming months.

Roadworks this week

State highways with scheduled works this week:

• State Highway 3 (SH3) Awakino to New Plymouth
• State Highway 3A (SH3A)
• State Highway 44 (SH44)

Roadworks may be postponed due to rain or other factors that disrupt the weekly schedule.

Check NZTA Journey Planner for the latest travel information and journey times: journeys.nzta.govt.nz

Information current as at 9am on 28 November 2025.

State Highway 3 – Awakino to New Plymouth

Expect total delays of up to 30 minutes on SH3 between Tongapōrutu and Piopio while recovery works continue following significant rainfall and high winds throughout October. Main sites include:

SH3 Awakino: Stop/go traffic management is in place at all times due to an underslip caused by recent wet weather. A geotechnical assessment is underway to determine a long-term solution.

SH3 Tongapōrutu: Underslip repairs are underway until early January (weather permitting). Stop/go traffic management is in place. Road will be open to 2 lanes of traffic during Christmas/New Year period. Expect delays of 5 to 10 minutes.

SH3 Mangaotaki: Construction of a retaining wall to repair an underslip is underway until early December (weather permitting). Stop/go traffic management is in place at all times. Expect delays of 5 to 10 minutes.

SH3 Urenui: A road rebuild started on Tuesday 11 November and continue for 4 to 5 weeks. Work will take place under stop/go traffic management with delays of 5 to 10 minutes. Work will run between 6am and 7pm, Monday to Saturday.

State Highway 3A

SH3A Inglewood: A road rebuild is underway from Monday to Saturday between 6am and 6pm. Stop/go traffic management is in place, with delays of 10 to 15 minutes. The rebuild is expected to finish by 19 December.

State Highway 44

SH44 Breakwater Road: New Plymouth District Council (NPDC) is replacing a watermain. A 30 km/h temporary speed limit and stop/go traffic management are in place. This work is expected to finish before Christmas.

SH44 St Aubyn Street: A road rebuild is underway from Sunday to Thursday nights between 7pm and 6am. Stop/go traffic management will be in place with delays of 5-10 minutes. The rebuild is expected to finish in early December.

Amphibious excavator in action

Amphibious excavator at work on Waitara River

An amphibious excavator recently helped replace rip rap at a stormwater outfall on the Waitara River. Rip rap, large rocks placed along riverbanks, protects against erosion and strong water flows. This machine is designed for wet, soft environments, with pontoons that allow it to float and move through shallow water, making it ideal for riverbank work.

This job highlights how we use a mix of equipment to get work done. From standard excavators and loaders to specialised machines such as amphibious excavators, each plays a role in keeping infrastructure resilient and waterways healthy. Choosing the right tool for the conditions means we can work efficiently and safely.

More information

Please be aware that there may be other less disruptive state highway works not listed in this newsletter.

Roadworks listed in this newsletter may be postponed due to rain or other factors that disrupt the weekly schedule.

Check the NZTA Journey Planner for the latest travel information and journey times before starting your journey: journeys.nzta.govt.nz.

For more information on the Taranaki state highway maintenance programme, contact us at info@nzta.govt.nz or 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 444 449) or visit our website nzta.govt.nz/taranaki-maintenance.