It was a long queue but ultimately not a long wait on Taotaoroa Rd last Wednesday. Photo: Roy Pilott
Southbound drivers from Karāpiro were given what would have been for many, a different view of the countryside last week.
A detour took traffic along Karāpiro and Taotaoroa roads while work was carried out on State Highway 1.
The detour was a considerable one – and traffic at one point on Wednesday backed up two kilometres waiting to get back on to SH29 to turn left in the direction of Tauranga or right to get back to SH1.
But traffic lights ensured a relatively speedy trip.
The transport agency Waka Kotahi is working through a programme of safety improvements on SH1 around Karāpiro.
Most controversial is the roundabout at the intersection of SH1 and SH29 which began last week
The queue of traffic at Taotatoroa Rd may have included some who wondered whether the traffic volume matched what NZTA quoted in convincing the Environment Court last year a roundabout at the intersection was a better option than a flyover.
Work is also continuing on a section of SH1 between Keeley’s Reserve and Moana Roa Road in preparation for the addition of median barriers being installed.
Contractors are also preparing to start the construction of turnaround bays at Tunakawa Gorton roads.
Traffic holdups at Karapiro. Photo: Roy Pilott
Traffic holdups at Piarere. Photo: Mary Anne Gill
