SH3 New Plymouth to Egmont Village

Project update

22 December 2022

Intersection Safety Prioritised on State Highway 3 between New Plymouth and Egmont Village

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is moving forward with safety improvement plans for SH3 between New Plymouth and Egmont Village and aims to start physical works in the first half of 2023.

During engagement with key stakeholders and the wider community on our proposals for this 9.75km corridor, we heard clearly that intersection safety is a priority, so we’ve decided to address the intersections at Junction Street and Mangorei Road first. This is known as Stage One of this overall safety improvements project.

What’s included in Stage One? 

At Junction St

• Widening of the centreline north and south of the Junction St intersection, covering about 1km in total – to allow for the future installation of wire rope median barriers.
• Removal of the southbound passing lane at Junction St to reduce risk – at approximately 420m this passing lane is much shorter than the recommended minimum length range of 600m-800m to allow for safe overtaking.
• Public consultation in early 2023 on the possible installation of an Intersection Speed Zone.

At Mangorei Rd

• Construction of a roundabout at the Mangorei Rd intersection.
• Removal of the northbound passing lane prior to the Mangorei Rd intersection to make room for the new roundabout.
• Widening of the centreline north and south of the Mangorei Rd intersection, covering about 1km in total – to allow for the future installation of wire rope median barriers.

Junction St intersection
If confirmed following public consultation, the Intersection Speed Zone would temporarily reduce the SH3 speed limit when traffic is approaching the highway from Junction St or turning right into Junction St from the highway. 

The zone would feature two flashing digital signs – located approximately 250m north and south of the Junction St intersection – displaying a temporary speed limit of 60kmh. 

These measures would enable people to take evasive action if necessary and reduce the impact of any mistakes.

In response to public feedback, people will still be able to make right turns out of Junction St, reducing the likelihood of adding to congestion on the local network.

Mangorei Rd roundabout
Roundabouts are the safest form of intersection control, slowing motorists down so they can take evasive action if necessary and reducing the impact of mistakes.

The Mangorei Rd roundabout will be an oval shape to minimise impacts on surrounding properties. It will have one lane in each direction. The design also includes a cycle lane to help cyclists safely navigate the roundabout.

We aim to start construction of the works at Junction St in the first half of 2023, with the Mangorei Rd roundabout beginning later in the year, subject to funding and contractor availability.

Duration of works is still to be confirmed but we aim to complete these safety improvements as quickly as possible. All works are subject to property negotiations and consenting.

Stage Two
In the meantime, we’ll keep working on a final design for the rest of the New Plymouth to Egmont Village corridor, known as Stage Two. Improvements being considered include wire rope median barrier, passing lane changes and safe turning opportunities, including a roundabout at Kent Road. 

The 9.75km stretch of SH3 between New Plymouth and Egmont Village has been prioritised due to its high safety risk, with 77 crashes reported between 2016 and 2020.

The improvements we’re proposing aim to improve the safety of this road and reduce deaths and serious injuries. 

However, the changes related to the installation of a wire rope median barrier will impact the way the community gets around. So, it’s important we work through the details of the design with those that could be directly affected, such as landowners and businesses. 

We’ll continue to consider public feedback and work with key stakeholders and landowners to finalise the rest of the design. If funding is received for Stage Two, we’ll aim to begin construction in late 2023. 

Upcoming survey work
In the coming months, our teams will be undertaking ground investigations between the Junction Street overbridge and Holly Oak Terrace, at the Mangorei Rd Intersection and from the Mangorei Rd intersection to the Mangorei Stream Bridge. Please look out for our contractors, as you pass them working along this stretch of road.

More information

For more information on the SH3 New Plymouth to Hāwera project, contact us at taranakiprojects@nzta.govt.nz

Visit our website www.nzta.govt.nz/projects/sh3-new-plymouth-to-hawera