Road users can expect to see significant upgrades along Northland’s vital transport routes this summer, with contractors for NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) out renewing 204 lane kilometres* of state highway. 

It’s the second year of the largest-ever investment in state highway maintenance for the region.

“Northland’s state highways are crucial for connecting communities, supporting local businesses, and keeping freight moving efficiently, which is why we’re investing $258.6 million for state highway maintenance and pothole prevention, and an additional $3.5 million for managing road subsidence, between 2024 – 2027,” says Regional Manager of Maintenance and Operations, Jacqui Hori-Hoult.

The 2025-2026 season (September – May) includes 25 lane kilometres of major road rebuilds, 8 lane kilometres of asphalt resurfacing and 171 lane kilometres of chipsealing.

There will be major works on State Highway 1 (SH1), State Highway 10 (SH10) and State Highway 12 (SH12), spanning the region from north of Woodhill and Warkworth to Te Reinga Wairua (Cape Reinga).

“The region’s roads face unique challenges, including heavy rainfall and the demands of high-volume traffic. By renewing the network, we strengthen road pavements, improve surface durability, and enhance overall network resilience, so Northlanders can travel safely and reliably year-round,” Ms Hori-Hoult says.

NZTA schedules work during the spring and summer months to take advantage of warmer, drier weather which helps sealants set properly and last longer. It’s about ensuring a quality surface.

“This means road users will sometimes experience temporary full road closures to enable multiple teams to work at the same time. We appreciate roadworks are inconvenient, but doing the work this way is more efficient and minimises disruption in the long term,” Ms Hori-Hoult says.

Most work is undertaken at night or outside peak travel periods to reduce the impact on road users.