From now until March, road workers are undertaking a significant rebuild programme on state highways including the Waikato Expressway, south of Cambridge, and SH3 near Te Awamutu.
Road renewal map
The New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) project is running alongside resealing and resurfacing work throughout the region and is an addition to regular summer maintenance.
The road renewal programme will help prevent further deterioration, reducing costs and minimising disruptions, NZTA’s Waikato system manager, Andrew Oakley, said.
“This summer, we’re targeting the renewal of approximately 112 lane kilometres across the Waikato, excluding the State Highway 1 Tīrau to Waiouru project. This work is essential to maintain the quality and safety of our state highways and to ensure all road users have a smoother and safer journey.”
Inevitably, roadworks will delay travellers in the short term, but such disruption will be kept to a minimum, Oakley said.
“We know closures on the state highway network are inconvenient, however it’s important that we’re able to get essential rebuild work done when it needs to be done, in the warmer weather.”
Fair weather enables work to be completed faster, reducing delays overall and improving resilience, he said.
At least 10 road rebuilds are planned alongside widespread asphalt resurfacing.
“By the end of the project in 2026, we’ll have rebuilt 66km of SH1 in total. This work is lifting the road to a much higher standard, meaning less disruptions and less maintenance needed in the future.”
In addition to the road renewal project, NZTA is taking a pot shot at potholes. The State Highway Pothole Prevention Fund is helping ensure potholes are fixed within 24 hours.
“In the Waikato, we’ve repaired 9312 potholes and more than 97 per cent of these were fixed within 24 hours,” Oakley said.
“The goal for this fund is simple – to get our state highways and local roads up to the safe and reliable standard Kiwis expect so they can spend less time worrying about potholes and more time enjoying the ride.”
While works are underway, NZTA is asking motorists to slow
down, adhere to road signs and above all exercise a little patience.
“Our crews will be working long hours, day and night, while many are enjoying their summer road trips,” Oakley said. “Slowing down through work zones helps keep everyone safe.
Work continues on a major road renewal programme across the Waikato, Waipā, Bay of Plenty and King Country.
