Te Ara Tūtohu: Waitara to Bell Block

17 March 2023

Kia ora,

Safer journeys in Taranaki are a step closer with construction of the State Highway 3/Princess Street roundabout and pedestrian and cyclist underpass in Waitara set to start next week.

Local contractor Fulton Hogan has now been awarded the contract for construction – clearing the way for these important works to get underway.

This is a significant milestone for the project, and we want to thank Te Kotahitanga o Te Atiawa Trust, Manukorihi, Ngāti Rahiri, Otaraua, Pukerangiora and Puketapu hapū (ngā hapū), New Plymouth District Council, and the local community for their work and support in getting the project to this point.

We’re building the Princess Street roundabout first because this intersection has the highest crash rate.

There were 17 crashes at this intersection between 2017 and 2021 – more than any of the other intersections along the route. The new roundabout will make this intersection much safer for the Waitara community and everyone using the road.

Construction Stages

Construction of the roundabout and pedestrian and cyclist underpass will be completed in four stages.

Stage 1 (March – May 2023)

During Stage 1, we will be carrying out site establishment works and implementing erosion and sediment controls. The wetland swale in Manakorihi Park which will treat stormwater runoff from the new roundabout will also be constructed.

Around June, work to build the stormwater outfall will also start.

Stage 2 (Late 2023)

During Stage 2, we will start constructing the underpass and the southbound lane for the roundabout.

Stage 3 (Late 2023 – early 2024)

During Stage 3, we will construct the northbound lane of the roundabout and finish work on the underpass.

Stage 4 (mid - late 2024)

During Stage 4, we will do some landscaping, complete the installation of cultural expressions, finish asphalt surfacing, road markings, install permanent signage and remove the traffic management at the site.

Traffic management

Traffic management will be staged during construction of the roundabout and underpass to minimise disruption to residents and people using the road.

Stage 1 (March – May 2023)

From 27 March for approximately two weeks, the intersection of Princess Street and SH3 will be controlled by four sets of traffic lights so crews can undertake tree clearing works.  

People travelling through the area should allow an extra 15 minutes for their journeys. The wait times at the intersection will be closely monitored to ensure they do not exceed these times.

From mid-April for about three weeks, SH3 will be reduced to one lane from approximately 140m south of the Princess Street intersection, through to 100m north of the intersection. A 30km/h temporary speed limit will be in place along this section of road and traffic will be controlled by Stop/Go traffic lights. People should allow for delays of up to 10 minutes.

People should use Bayly Street or Nelson Street to travel to and from Waitara during this time.There will be no access to SH3 to or from Princess Street West (Waitara side). Access to and from Princess Street East (Tikorangi side) will remain open.

Safe crossing opportunities will be provided for pedestrians and cyclists crossing SH3 from Princess Street.

Crews will work Monday to Friday between the hours of 7am and 5.30pm. Night works may be carried out from time to time if required. We will notify residents and road users ahead of any night works taking place.

Map of traffic management from mid-April

Median barrier saves lives

Flexible median barriers are a key part of Te Ara Tūtohu – SH3 Waitara to Bell Block safety improvements.

We will install the flexible median barrier in stages, beginning with the stretch of road between the Princess Street and Waitara Road roundabouts. The plan for installation of flexible median barrier along the rest of the route is currently being developed.

We have started engaging with property owners, residents, and businesses between Princess Street and Waitara Road to find out how they access their properties to inform the final design of the flexible median barrier.