SH43 Forgotten World Highway

Project update – 21 April 2023

Sealed section of Tāngarākau Gorge

Tāngarākau Gorge works

Enabling works for sealing the remaining section of SH43 through Tāngarākau Gorge will start in May. Most of the enabling works will be done off the road and will include drainage works and retaining wall construction. Some traffic management will be in place, with minimal delays expected. Once the traffic management is confirmed, we will be in touch to advise of the traffic impacts.

This is the second stage of sealing the Tāngarākau Gorge, with the first 2.1km of sealing completed early May 2022. The remaining 10km section of road will be sealed early 2024.

Artist impression of the new Kahouri Stream Bridge

Kahouri Stream Bridge Upgrade

Work to build a two-lane bridge on over Kahouri Stream, on SH43 east of Stratford will get underway next month. The new bridge will provide safer access for vehicles, while the existing one lane bridge, built in 1908, will be retained for people to walk and cycle across.

With twin 3.5 metres lanes and a one metre verge, the new bridge will better accommodate increased traffic volumes in the area and create a safer, more accessible route for trucks and the travelling public.

The road approaching the new bridge will also be realigned to make it easier to navigate, reducing the risk of crashes.

Cyclist signs at Moki Tunnel

Safety improvement works

Crews will soon begin work to install further roadside safety barriers along the route to reduce the risk of run-off road crashes.

More than 200 warning signs have already been erected along SH43 to improve safety and three roadside safety barriers located near Toko, at Whangamomona, and Aukopae have been installed to date.

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