SH43 Forgotten World Highway

May update

21 May 2024

Drilling for retaining wall foundations

Journey improves as work continues on Tāngarākau Gorge over winter months

As the summer construction season comes to an end, crews are wrapping up major earthworks. They will then get on with drainage work throughout the winter season.

The road has now re-opened, but this week there may be delays at the worksite of up to 45 minutes between 7am and 5pm while crews use a large drill to complete the piling for the last retaining wall.

From late May, localised stop /go delays should be no more than 10 minutes.

NZTA Transport Agency Waka Kotahi thanks everyone for their patience and cooperation while the gorge closures have been in place.

Working in the Tāngarākau Gorge has proven to be challenging due to the constrained environment and unpredictable ground conditions but crews have been able to get a significant amount of work completed over the past 6 months with the closures in place.

Kahouri Stream Bridge blessing

Kahouri Stream Bridge open for traffic

The new two-lane bridge over Kahouri Stream was recently opened to traffic, marking a significant milestone for the project.

Stop/go traffic control will remain in place on the bridge as crews complete the road realignment works, seal the road and install safety barriers (guardrail) and signage. The project is expected to be complete in full by June.

A blessing ceremony, led by Ngāti Ruanui and Ngāti Maru iwi was held ahead of the bridge opening to traffic. Cultural artwork sandblasted into the side of the bridge was also unveiled at the event,  which was attended by representatives from Stratford District Council, Taranaki Regional Council, the project team, contractors, and neighbouring residents.

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