State Highway 1 (SH1) at Karāpiro, south of Cambridge, will be closed for 4 days in January for maintenance and repair work.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Waikato Bay of Plenty Regional Manager of Maintenance and Operations, Roger Brady says during the closure all traffic will need to take detours or alternative routes to avoid the area.

“A closure is the most efficient and safest way to complete the necessary works. The closure is between Karāpiro Road south to SH1/29 at Piarere and runs from midnight on Sunday 12 January to midnight on Thursday 16 January 2025. 

“To get maintenance and repair work done quickly, safely and cost effectively, these full closures will become a regular event – up to 3 to 4 times a year. We appreciate this will have a major impact on people and we will give as much notice as possible of closures,’’ says Mr Brady. 

During the January works, contractors will lay 42,000m2 of chipseal and apply a second seal on barrier areas and shoulders. They will also carry out works at the intersection with Maungatautari Road, and general maintenance such as mowing and sign repairs.

All properties within the closure and sideroads leading to it will have access maintained but delays are expected. Vehicles will be grouped and piloted through the site on the following schedule:

Northbound from near the SH1/29 roundabout: Leaving on the hour.

Southbound from Karāpiro Road: Leaving on the half hour.

People coming from sideroads will join the convoy as it passes their road.

All visitors and service providers can join this piloted access when they are visiting a property within the closure.