State Highway 29 (SH29) over the Kaimai Range will close overnight for two nights on Sunday 13 and Monday 14 September, between 8pm and 3am each night, reopening to traffic each morning. 

The closures are required so crews can safely complete critical stabilisation works at the Ruahihi Bluffs, near the Ruahihi Power Station, and undertake essential maintenance activities at other locations along the corridor.  

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Bay of Plenty Area Manager Sandra King says the work marks the final stage of a programme to improve safety and resilience at the Ruahihi Bluffs site. 

“Following urgent scaling work completed in late 2025, crews began installing a rockfall protection system in February this year to help prevent falling rocks from reaching the state highway. 

“We’re now returning to install the final components of the system, including 2 steel trusses weighing 1,500-kilograms each. Once in place, the rockfall protection system will provide an additional layer of protection for people using this important route.” 

Ms King says a full closure is the safest option while the work is carried out. 

“The installation requires a 100-tonne crane and a large worksite. Given the size of the machinery and the nature of the work, it is not safe or practical to keep the road open.” 

One night of stop/stop traffic management at the Ruahihi Bluffs site will be required on Friday 18 September, between 8pm and 3am, to disestablish the site. During this time, significant delays should be expected, with traffic being let through on the hour. 

“We recognise this work will be disruptive and thank road users, freight operators and local communities for their patience and understanding. 

“While there will be short-term inconvenience, this work will help provide a safer and more reliable route over the Kaimai Range for years to come.” 

To minimise future disruption, NZTA is coordinating other maintenance activities along SH29 during the closures, including work on the Ōmanawa Bridge replacement, localised drainage improvements and surface maintenance. 

Closure points will be located on the Waikato side at the SH29/SH24 and SH29/SH28 intersections, and on the Bay of Plenty side at the SH29/Redwood Lane/Kaweroa Drive roundabout.

Residents will continue to have access to their properties from the relevant side of the closure; however, delays should be expected. A detour will be in place around the Ruahihi Bluff site, using Ōmanawa, Peers and McLaren Falls roads.

Emergency services will be given access through the site as required.  

Detours are lengthy and will add significant travel time. Road users are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra time for their journeys and, where possible, avoid travelling over SH29 during the closure periods. Travellers should check the NZTA Journey Planner before setting out.