Major asphalt works on the Cambridge section of the Waikato Expressway remain ahead of schedule, with crews preparing to move into the next stage from Monday 20 July, weather permitting.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Waikato Area Manager, Andy Oakley says work has continued to progress well in June, helped by settled weather and the pace crews have been able to maintain, to keep this important route safe, resilient and fit for future growth.

“Thanks to consistently good weather and strong productivity, the team has been able to maintain the momentum built over the past few months and continue moving through the programme ahead of schedule,” says Mr Oakley.

“From Monday 20 July until mid-August (weather dependent), crews will be working across both southbound lanes from just south of the Tamahere Interchange to the Cambridge West/Velodrome exit. This means the southbound off-ramp at the Cambridge West/Velodrome exit will need to close while this stage is completed.”

Southbound SH1 traffic wanting to access Cambridge will need to exit earlier at the Victoria Road Interchange at Hautapu.

Mr Oakley says NZTA recognises the closure will cause disruption for people who regularly use the interchange to exit the Expressway into Cambridge from Hamilton.

“This is an important connection for the community, and we appreciate people’s patience while this work is completed. The work is essential to improving the long-term condition and performance of the state highway,” says Mr Oakley.

The Tamahere Interchange is not impacted by this work, however increased traffic movements are expected in the area, particularly at peak travel times, as SH1 traffic merges into one lane in each direction.

Delays of up to 20 minutes can be expected at peak times, and people are encouraged to plan ahead and consider all available alternative routes to help ease congestion.

Following this stage, crews will move to the next section, which will require the closure of the Cambridge West/Velodrome interchange northbound on-ramp. This work is currently scheduled for late September.

Since the start of the Cambridge asphalt works, Budget 2026 confirmed funding for the SH1 Cambridge to Piarere Expressway Road of National Significance. Subject to planning approvals and other permits, property acquisition and final design, the first phase of construction activity for Cambridge to Piarere is expected to start in early 2027. 

“Given the timing of the Cambridge to Piarere project, we have added 2 more stages to the Cambridge works. This will allow the team to complete asphalting work to widen the Cambridge section road alignment near the Southern Interchange, so it is ready to meet the new alignment for the online section of Cambridge to Piarere,” says Mr Oakley.

More information will be provided once the traffic management approach is confirmed for this additional work. This will not impact the work schedule, which is still on track to finish in December. 

In the meantime, NZTA will continue monitoring traffic movements and making any adjustments where needed.

“We encourage people to regularly check Journey Planner for the most up-to-date information on high impact works on the state highway network and to use alternative routes where possible,” says Mr Oakley.