Tarata Road Resilience Project   

Kia ora koutou,
As we head into the festive season and prepare up for summer's construction activity, we wanted to provide an update on the project.

In the few months since our last newsletter, we've been doing a lot of planning so we can make the most of the better weather over the coming months.

Tarata Road Resilience Project Team

Updates 

Tarata Saddle
 

From 12 January we will be clearing vegetation on the saddle, which will require stop/go traffic management.  Expect minor delays. 

This is followed by work to rebuild the section of Tarata Road between Motukawa Road and Tariki Road North (Tarata Saddle) which starts Monday 26 January. The work is expected to take about 5 weeks (weather permitting). 

This part of the project includes removing the bank to improve alignment and visibility, and drainage upgrades to improve road conditions.

To do this as quickly as possible the road will be closed 24/7 through to 5 February. We need to do this because the road is narrow and contractors need to use heavy machinery for earthworks to remove the bank.

 What you need to know:

• Work starts Monday 26 January and will take about 5 weeks.
• Full road closure: 24/7 from 26 Jan to the end of 5 February. Please use Otaraoa Road as the alternative route.
  • Arrangements have been made with Fonterra for milk cartage.
  • Limited escorted access may be available in cases of emergency.
  • See details about school access below. 
• From 9 February, stop/go traffic management will be in place Monday-Friday, 6am-6pm. Expect delays of between 15–20 minutes.
• Resident access will be maintained throughout the works.

ℹ️ A community member requested the installation of traffic signals at the Otaraoa Road Tunnel during the Tarata Saddle closure. After careful consideration, this option was not approved because creates an increased safety risk, due to some people not complying with the signals.

School transport
We had hoped to have this work finished during the school holidays, but this wasn’t possible. Tranzit will operate mini vans during the road closure. Parents can drop students at the rest area, where they’ll be safely escorted through the site to waiting transport to get them to and from school.
We are planning an information session for parents at Tarata Hall in mid-January to answer any questions parents may have, and to confirm how the site will operate. If you have any questions prior to this, contact Liz.

Pukeho Road to Toro Road 

Fulton Hogan start work on Monday12 January, with completion expected in April.
A Stop/Go system with a pilot vehicle will guide traffic safely through the site. Please allow extra time for travel as delays are expected, however crews will adjust to minimise wait times.

Other 

You’ll also see Downer crews on Tarata Road doing routine maintenance, including a number of small road surface repairs. This work has been brought forward because this section of road has been deteriorating and is being done now to make the most of the warmer, drier weather.

We acknowledge that this work will cause disruption and thank road users and residents for their patience while these improvements are completed.

Important Dates 

Friday 19 December:  Fulton Hogan shuts down at the Toro Road site for Christmas.

2026
Tuesday 6 January: Work resumes at Toro Road site
Monday 12 January: Tarata Saddle vegetation clearance begins
Monday 26 January - Thursday 5 February: Tarata Saddle full closure for earthworks.
Monday 12 January- April: Pukeho Road to Toro Road works underway.

Dates are weather permitting and subject to change.