It’s hard not to talk about roading with so much going on in the regions and some overdue construction projects finally kicking off. We are seeing improvements to the HPMV network in Northland as well as Horowhenua and South Taranaki councils updating the HPMV network map. See also news from the Taranaki State Highway Maintenance Stakeholder Workshop.
HPMV Network
There’s a lot of progress on roading network improvements, especially in the Northland region. It’s great to hear the SH14 strengthening programme is getting underway. This should significantly improve the connectivity for High Productivity Motor Vehicles (HPMVs). It’s also promising to see the potential for SH10 and SH1 through to Kaitaia opening soon and the possibility of SH10 being more accessible after a detailed load assessment done on Hayes Bridge.
Unfortunately, SH15 and SH12 have many issues that would require strengthening numerous structures so the objective will be 50MAX for the medium term.
The fact that local councils like Horowhenua District Council and South Taranaki District Council are getting on board and updating the HPMV Network Map is a positive sign for the industry. Their responsiveness can really make a difference in improving infrastructure and easing logistics.
Check out the Full HPMV Network Map (arcgis.com) where it shows all roads where full HPMV is allowed. This will be updated as more councils come on board.
SH1 Tīrau to Waiouru Acceleration Project
One of the largest and most ambitious maintenance and rehabilitation projects to be undertaken is about to begin in Waikato. NZTA will undertake renewal work over approximately 23 percent of SH1 between Piarere and the Waiouru. Up to 2,400 heavy vehicles and 9,500 light vehicles use this corridor per day, which has highlighted the urgency on this stretch which is ranked third worst in terms of quality on the network.
We are communicating on the proposed detour routes and ensuring HPMV are catered for in the planning of the project to ensure minimal disruption on this critical route for freight.
The first part of the project will see SH1, from SH5 near Tīrau to the SH1/SH28 intersection near Putāruru, closed from Monday, 9 September 2024 for four weeks. More information, including detour routes, will be shared ahead of time.
You can find out more information on the full accelerated programme of work on the NZTA website here: www.nzta.govt.nz/t2w
2024-2025 Pre-Season Taranaki State Highway Maintenance Stakeholder Workshop
In August I attended the NZTA / Downer 2024-2025 Pre-Season State Highway Maintenance Stakeholder Workshop.
Over the next three years NZTA has funding to complete 48 rehab sites, with 12 this season including:
- SH3 North: Onaero, Tongapōrutu, Mt Messenger.
- New Plymouth: SH3 and SH45 asphalt.
- SH3 Central: SH3 Burgess Park, SH3 Midhirst.
- SH3 South: Three sites south of Hāwera.
- SH4: Culvert site and Hiwi Hill.
NRC is in communication with our agencies on these projects to ensure impacts on operators are low. We are thankful these projects are getting off the ground and funding has been allocated in the region.
PAULA
