Image left shows a section of stormwater pipe installed on SH3, middle image shows new yellow 'no stopping lines' applied to SH3/Princess street intersection, right image shows barrier protection installed on SH3.

Kia ora

We're pleased to report that stormwater infrastructure works which began in January are progressing well and despite the recent bouts of bad weather the project is on track to be completed by June.

The 760m stormwater pipe will carry stormwater runoff from the future Princess Street Roundabout and address current flooding issues around Rahiri and Princess streets.

Design and consenting works will continue over the winter, with construction of the Princess Street Roundabout and underpass getting underway later in the year.

A trial embankment will also be constructed at the De Havilland Drive/SH3 intersection in Bell Block in April, using rock material from the stormwater excavations.

The trial embankment will provide information on how the ground reacts to weight, informing the design of the future De Havilland Road Roundabout.

The detour through Waitara for northbound light vehicles is operating well, thanks to the cooperation of the Waitara community, road users and the freight industry.

Now in place 24/7 to avoid confusion, the detour takes about six to 10 minutes depending on the time of day, around the same time as waiting at the lights on the highway.

Most are adhering to the traffic management in place, but crews have noticed a few light vehicles waiting at the lights with freight to travel north on SH3.
People driving light vehicles are reminded to please use the detour as the traffic lights cycle time is designed for the truck traffic flows and introducing cars creates delays.

Following consultation with local schools and businesses, a number of safety measures were put in place on the detour route prior to work starting, including temporary speed limits, flexible marker posts to separate traffic and pedestrian crossings.

Additional changes were made to the intersection at Richmond/Harris and Princess streets, as seen below,  to make the area safer for Waitara High School and Waitara East Primary School students ahead of school going back.

We have also added hatched (no stopping) yellow lines to the SH3/Princess Street  intersection in response to feedback from the community.

We appreciate the ongoing feedback and suggestions from the community which is helping us make the worksite and detour route as safe as possible.

Princess/Harris/Richmond street intersection changes.

What you can do to help keep everyone safe while the Waitara detour is in place

• Stick to the temporary speed limits and keep an eye out for people walking and cycling especially at the start and end of school.

• When out walking and cycling along the detour route, be aware of the increase in traffic and take extra care.

• Let your tamariki know there will be more cars on the road and encourage them to be extra careful and always cross at the dedicated crossing points.

• Report any issues or instances of poor driver behaviour to Waka Kotahi or NZ Police.

Comments, questions and complaints

The detour route is being managed by Waka Kotahi. To provide feedback, ask questions or report any issues about the detour route or the state highway please get in touch using the contact details below.

Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)
Email: w2bb@nzta.govt.nz

Waka Kotahi thanks you for your patience while these important works are completed.

More information

For more information on the SH3 Waitara to Bell Block project, contact us at w2bb@nzta.govt.nz

Visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/w2bb