While the Government has just announced a record $32.9 billion investment in New Zealand’s transport network throughout the country over the next three years – read more here – there are already significant road transport developments underway in Waikato, and repair and maintenance work in the Bay of Plenty and Auckland regions.
Waikato
The Waikato region has significant road transport developments underway. One of the major projects includes the extensive renewal of State Highway 1 between Piarere and Waiouru.
This project is set to start in September of this year. The first phase involves the closure of a nine-kilometre section of SH1 near Tirau for four weeks, with detours expected to add some travel time. This is part of an effort to improve one of the worst-ranked roads in New Zealand, both in terms of quality and maintenance challenges.
At the same time the construction of a new roundabout at Piarere, where SH1 intersects SH29 is expected to be completed by 2026. This work is part of the larger project to extend the Waikato expressway.
There will be disruptions through this region and NZTA will be working with local authorities to try to minimise the impact to our Industry. NRC is supportive of these full closures in order to get the works done much faster, where viable detour routes exist.
Bay of Plenty
There are several impacts over key routes in the BOP. SH36 at the Mangorewa has had significant repair work that is ongoing. The work has required daytime road closures that continue to cause delays. There are several weeks of continuous stop/go management to complete the repairs.
SH2 will have road works that will begin the end of the week. Additionally on 27 August a 350-metre section from Otamarakau Valley Road intersection will undergo similar work. These projects are expected to take eight weeks weather permitting.
Slip repairs are on SH35 near Opape Beach Road, involving closures and stop/go management. The work is expected to continue until late September.
Auckland Region
We are continually hearing from transport operators that parts of Auckland’s Road network are aging and require frequent maintenance and upgrades. The infrastructure was not originally designed to handle the current frequent repairs and disruptions.
Upgrading of these roads is often resulting in temporary road closures and congestion.
Ongoing congestion issues and delays are adding to greenhouse gas emissions. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach, involving infrastructure improvements, policy changes and behavioural shifts among Auckland businesses and residents.
NRC is working with Auckland Transport to ensure that the Strategic Road Freight Network remains prioritised, and that future projects such as the City Rail Link and Time of Use charging maintain or improve freight productivity.
Woody
