The first block closure of the huge maintenance project for State Highway 1 in central and southern Waikato is now underway, just south of Tīrau. 

This is stage 1 of an accelerated road renewal programme, which is one of the largest and most ambitious maintenance and rehabilitation projects to be undertaken in New Zealand. It will see NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) undertake renewal work over approximately 23 percent of SH1 between Piarere and the Waiouru. 

SH1 is closed for 4 weeks from the SH5 roundabout to the intersection with SH28, close to Putāruru following a blessing from local iwi Raukawa on Monday.   “This project affects many iwi and hapū as it runs from Pīarere to Waiōuru. Here in our rohe we are keen to ensure that the work undertaken on our roadways is done quickly and safely, it’s about protecting the road crew, travellers and keeping communities connected,” Raukawa kaimahi Joseph Kaponga says.

Having the road closed will allow crews to work at pace in a safer environment, although the road is still available for residents and essential vehicles to use, so there are strict procedures in place. 

There are 2.2km of road rebuild to do, near each side of the Webster and Taumangi Roads intersection. This involves milling out the existing road surface and then strengthening it by replacing with foam stabilised bitumen.

Roger Brady, NZTA Regional Manager of Maintenance and Operations explains, “Benefits of foam bitumen include a high-quality finish, high moisture resistance, environmental friendliness, reduced emissions, increased strength, and increased sustainability - as most of the existing material is re-used.”

While the road is closed, the opportunity to do other work is being taken.

“This includes 330m2 of smaller localised minor repairs, 10 culverts and 7 catch pits to be cleaned, lowering 400m of road shoulder to follow the grade of the road to allow even water flow off, clearing loose material along the road corridor and refreshing signs and line markings,” Mr Brady says.

The next section of SH1 to be closed will be from Ātiamuri (SH1/30 intersection) to Wairakei (SH1/SH5 intersection). It will be closed during the day from Monday 16 September to Friday 4 October from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday. The road will re-open at nights from 6pm - 8am and on Sundays.

The detours for light vehicles (i.e. all vehicles you can drive on a Class 1 licence) is via SH30, SH32 and Poihipi Road down to Wairakei Drive. This will add approximately 40km and 27 minutes extra to journeys. For all heavy vehicles, the detour will be via SH30 and SH5 which is an additional 62kms and approximately 42 minutes. (see map below).

A draft programme for other closures on SH1 (subject to weather) is:

SH5 Tīrau to SH28 Putāruru: 9 September – 4 October 2024

SH29 Piarere to North Tīrau: 29 September for 3 weeks (night closure only)

SH32 Tokoroa to SH30 Ātiamuri: early October – early November 2024

SH28 Putāruru to SH32 Tokoroa: late November –  late December 2024

SH30 Ātiamuri to SH5 Wairakei part 2: November – December 2024.

SH41 Tūrangi to SH49 Waiouru: January - February 2025

SH1/SH5 Roundabout Taupō to Tūrangi: March - April 2025

Tīrau township to SH1/SH5 roundabout: Spring 2025

Taupō urban: Spring 2025

More detailed information on dates, durations and detours will be shared as soon as it is available. 

Additional work will be required in these sections a few months after the initial closures. This is to lay the final asphalt surface coat as the rebuilt road needs time with normal traffic using it in order to settle in.