Te Ara Tūtohu: Waitara to Bell Block

25 August 2023

Kia ora,

Our team on-site is making good progress on the construction of a roundabout and pedestrian underpass at the intersection of State Highway 3 and Princess Street in Waitara.

We are currently on schedule, but there is a risk of falling behind as we expect construction of the northbound lane (set to start in November 2023) will be slower than originally planned due to a higher-than-expected ground water table. The excess water must be pumped out, which slows construction down.

We know the community want us to get the roundabout and underpass finished and open as soon as possible to increase safety on the road and remove the inconvenience of the roadworks.

To make sure we stay on track and finish construction in mid-2024, we are bringing some of the planned works forward – including some asphalting and the installation of traffic islands on SH3. This will ensure we are able to get the roundabout and underpass finished on time.

To enable this work to happen, the length of the worksite will be extended slightly and State Highway 3 through the Princess Street intersection will be reduced to one lane. This is scheduled to happen from 6pm Sunday 3 September, but this date is subject to change as traffic management is confirmed. The southbound lane of Princess Street East up to the intersection with Rahiri Street will remain closed.

In mid-October, the southbound lane of Princess Street East will be asphalted before opening to traffic. Following this, the northbound lane will close.

Stop/Go traffic management will continue to be in place all hours of day and night at the intersection, with temporary traffic lights controlling the flow of traffic through the intersection.

The 30km/h temporary speed limit will continue to be in place. Road users should allow for delays of up to 15 minutes. Safe crossing opportunities will also continue to be provided for pedestrians and cyclists crossing SH3 from Princess Street.

The traffic management at Princess Street will change in November 2023 to enable construction of the northbound lane and Princess Street West. More information about this will be provided closer to the time.

Waka Kotahi thanks everyone for their patience while these important works are completed.

Traffic management from the evening of 3 September 2023

More information

For more information on Te Ara Tūtohu: Waitara to Bell Block, contact us at w2bb@nzta.govt.nz

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