Latest information on SH1, Cambridge to Piarere

Construction of the southern approach road (Tīrau side) at the new SH1/SH29 roundabout is underway.

Next stage of SH1/SH29 roundabout construction sees traffic switch

The new roundabout at the intersection of State Highway 1 and State Highway 29, Piarere, is taking shape with much of the main foundation work now complete.

The focus now shifts to construction on the southern side (Tīrau approach road) and to safely accommodate this work, from Monday 15 April traffic south of the roundabout has been moved onto a newly constructed section of road adjacent to SH1. 

This is a short bypass road which rejoins SH1 before the intersection, which continues to operate as normal.

This arrangement is expected to remain in place until September 2024.

Motorists are asked to drive with extra care through the site, while people adjust to the new road layout. A temporary speed limit of 60km/h will be in place around the project site to protect road workers and ensure the safety of everyone travelling through the area.

Construction on the roundabout got underway in January 2024 and is expected to take up to two years to complete.

More information.

Line marking was applied ahead of the recent median barrier installation.

Latest median barrier install takes total to nearly 10km

The finishing touches are now being applied to a stretch of road improvements between Gorton and Fergusson Gully Roads.

The turnaround bays at Gorton and Tunakawa Roads are in place and the installation of median barrier through to Fergusson Gully Road is complete.

This work, coupled with the median barrier preparation and installation continuing south between Keeley’s Reserve and Moana Roa Road (see more below), will take the amount of median barrier installed between Cambridge and Piarere to just under 10km by July 2024.

Minor finishing works will occur between Gorton and Fergusson Gully Roads over the next week, with all work on this stretch expected to be complete by late April.

Lighting has been erected at the intersection of SH1 and Fergusson Gully Road and we are working with the local electricity lines provider to have this operational as soon as possible. 

We thank the local community and road users for their patience during this work. We appreciate the median barrier means people may need to go about their journeys differently. Ultimately these improvements are all about keeping people moving safely.

More information.

A 1.5km section of road in Karāpiro has been widened to allow for median barrier to be installed.

Making way for median barrier

Work continues on a section of SH1, Karāpiro, between Keeley’s Reserve and Moana Roa Road, in preparation for median barrier installation.

The main construction work involves 1.5km of shoulder widening, with chip sealing of this area due to be completed this week (weather permitting). Further chip sealing at the intersection of SH1 and Kentucky Road is planned for later this month. Access in and out of Kentucky Road will remain.

Further works planned for this month include the removal of temporary steel barriers, which will occur under nighttime stop/go traffic management, as well as the removal of existing line marking on the road.

The installation of median barrier is expected to get underway in late April/early May, with all work in this area to be completed in June.

More information.

The fifth turnaround bay on SH1, just north of Hickey Road, is under construction.

Back in action near Hickey Road

Construction of the fifth turnaround bay, just north of Hickey Road, is underway, following the relocation of telecommunication cables.

Along with constructing the turnaround bay, there will be road widening at the weigh station on SH1, between Hickey and Hydro Roads, and installation of median and side safety barrier.

The barrier installation is expected to take place in late May/June 2024, once the turnaround bay is in place.

Construction hours are 7am – 6pm Monday to Saturday, with no work on Sunday or public holidays, and temporary traffic management will be in place during construction.

The impact on SH1 traffic is expected to be minor, although there are multiple worksites between Cambridge and Piarere, so some delay to journeys is expected. 

More information.

In brief:

Taupō Supercars Championship: Motorsport fans heading to Taupō for the Supercars Championship this week should plan ahead and be prepared for heavy traffic on the roads as people and vehicles converge on the central North Island. More information.

Keeley's Reserve: With the Gorton Road and Tunakawa Road turnarounds now in place, an island will be installed to restrict traffic turning right out of Keeley's Reserve. Traffic wanting to travel south will make use of the turnaround bay at Tunakawa Road. Lighting will also be installed at the Keeley's Reserve turnaround later this month/early May.

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