Latest information on SH1, Cambridge to Piarere

Laying the right foundations at Keeley's Reserve.

On track at Keeley's Reserve

Construction is underway on a turnaround bay at Keeley’s Reserve, with work progressing well at the site despite some challenging weather.

The focus has been on the earthworks and laying the right foundations for the pavement construction, which has now started with some sub-base and base course material laid (lower pavement levels). The foundation works together with the sub-base and base course layers to support the final asphalt surfacing.

Preparation for the concrete works (kerbs and apron on the northern side of the intersection) is well underway with concrete pouring expected to start at the end of this week.

Construction of the Keely’s Reserve turnaround bay follows the recently completed turnaround bay at the intersection of SH1 and Hydro Road.

These safe turnarounds are crucial pieces needed before additional flexible safety median barriers can be installed.

Once the turnaround is complete, the right-turn out of Keeley’s Reserve onto SH1 will remain open until the turnaround at Tunakawa Road is built early next year and more flexible safety median barriers are installed, at which point the right-turn out of Keeley’s Reserve will be permanently closed.

More information on the project.

Representatives from Ngaati Korokii-Kahukura and Ngaati Hauaa performed a blessing on site ahead of work getting underway.

Blessing brings project partners together ahead of construction

Members of Waka Kotahi, Ngaati Korokii-Kahukura, Ngaati Hauaa, J Swap Contractors and Stantec united on site ahead of construction kicking off. 

On Monday 11 September, a pre-construction blessing was held at Keeley’s Reserve, where the turnaround bay is being constructed.

Led by local iwi, Ngaati Korokii-Kahukura and Ngaati Hauaa, the blessing included a number of workers who would be active on site and involved a cultural induction, a focus on their health and safety, as well as how best to protect the spiritual integrity of the site.

Regular hui are held with local mana whenua to discuss all ongoing, evolving aspects of the projects on SH1 between Cambridge and Piarere and our iwi partners play a key role in guiding us throughout this project.
 

A reminder to lake users and motorists

Lake users are asked to use alternative boat ramps to access Lake Karāpiro during construction at Keeley's Reserve, with ramps available at Karāpiro Domain, Moana Roa Recreational Reserve and Horahora Domain.

The speed limit near the reserve has reduced from 100km/h to 50km/h northbound and 70km/h southbound (Monday to Saturday from 7am-6pm) during this work. Motorists are advised to expect minor delays. Please also be aware that at times the site might be reduced to 30km/h northbound and 50km/h southbound on days where there is significant truck movements in and out of the area. 

Work is expected to be complete by mid-November.

Check out the frequently asked questions on our website. If you have a question that's not answered here, please let us know.

Other local projects

Just up the road from Keeley's Reserve, enabling works are underway ahead of a full road rebuild at the intersection of SH1 and Gorton Road. The rebuild commences next week, Monday 2 October, and will take approximately three weeks to complete. During this time there will be a southbound closure during the day (between 7am and 7pm, including weekends) to allow construction to take place safely and effectively.

During the road closure period the local detour is via Karāpiro Road, Taotaoroa Road and SH29. Road users from further afield are encouraged to use SH2, SH27 and SH24 if travelling between Auckland and Tauranga.

Northbound road users will see temporary speed limits at each worksite, and they are asked to follow the instructions of crew members as required.

While HPMV can use the southbound detour, they are also able to wait at the closure point, along with over-weight and over-dimension loads. These vehicles will be allowed past the site approximately every hour, with northbound traffic held as required.

Between 7pm and 7am stop/go traffic management will be in place at the Gorton Road worksite.

Read more here.

SH1/SH29 Piarere intersection improvements

Tenders closed in late August and the procurement process is underway. We hope to be able to annouce the successful contractor and starting date in early October.

Additional information

For more information on the Cambridge to Piarere project, contact us at c2p@nzta.govt.nz

Visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/c2p