Night closures of the Desert Road will keep the highest stretch of road on the state highway network reaching for the stars.

Night works kick off on Sunday 11 February, with work taking approximately 5 weeks to complete. Workers will be on site Sunday to Thursday between 6pm and 6am each night, with SH1 closed between Waiouru and Rangipo during this time.  

State Highway 1 is a vital route for drivers of all kinds. From freight to holiday makers, military to mountaineers, it’s critical that the Desert Road remains in tip top shape, explains Andy Oakley, Waikato System Manager at NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).  

“Thousands of drivers use the Desert Road every day, enjoying some of the most stunning scenery that our network has to offer. To keep the road safe and accessible for everyone, we need to complete this important road rehabilitation,” says Mr Oakley.

“Night closures provide the best opportunity to get these works done, with the least amount of overall disruption as possible.” 

Frequent travellers through the Central Plateau would have already experienced significant maintenance activity this summer, including works on State Highway 4 near the Makatote Rail Viaduct, work at Halletts Bay (Lake Taupō) and other works along the Desert Road.  

“There’s been a lot of work on our network this summer, as we try to make the most of the settled weather. We understand this causes disruption, and we thank drivers for their understanding and patience.

“People should plan ahead, as the detour between Rangipo and Waiouru via State Highway 46, State Highway 47, SH4 and State Highway 49, back to SH1 and vice versa, will add approximately 30 minutes to journey times.