Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
A stretch of State Highway 3 north of the intersection with Waitara Road will be rebuilt in May.
We have previously indicated that work was due to get underway this week to rebuild a section of road south of the new roundabout.
Work on the southern section got underway on Monday and while the work is carried out, this section of SH3 will be closed at nights, from 8pm to 5.30am, Monday to Friday. During the day it will remain open under a temporary speed limit.
This work is expected to wrap up on Thursday 17 April.
The work to rebuild the northern section of the roundabout is due to begin Monday 28 April, once the current work to the south has been completed. It will take a month, due for completion late May.
During this time, we will also complete work on Stage 4 of the Waitara Road roundabout (the final stage of the roundabout), which will involve the completion of the roundabout itself.
To allow work to take place safely and efficiently, we will close SH3 from the Raleigh Street intersection to the south of the Nelson Street intersection 24/7 until the rebuild is complete.
We are unable to complete the rebuild at night as overnight temperatures will be too low in May for the rebuild to be completed successfully.
Completion of the roundabout construction is just around the corner – expected to be finished at the end of May.
The detour
A detour will be in place through Waitara via Raleigh Street, High Street West, Cracroft Street, McLean Street, and Nelson Street.
Homes and businesses will continue to be accessible during the closure. Emergency services will also be able to travel through the site.
To keep the detour route through Waitara safe for everyone we will put in place temporary safety changes, including temporary speed limits.
Once the rebuild and Waitara Road roundabout are complete, work will start on the section of Raleigh Street between SH3 and Tate Road including turning it into a cul-de-sac, with access in and out via SH3.
Waitara Road access
During the northern rebuild access to Waitara Road will be impacted.
The left turn out of Waitara Road will remain open, but the right turn will be closed. There will also be no direct access to Waitara Road from SH3.
To travel north from Waitara Road or to access Waitara Road from SH3 an alternative route will be in place via Richmond Road and Kairau Road East.
Why we’re closing the road
We understand that this closure will be an inconvenience for the local community and everyone who uses this stretch of road. Closing the road is the only option to complete this work safely and efficiently, without prolonged impact to traffic.
Safety during the detour
The detour will mean more traffic in Waitara, particularly during peak times.
To ensure the safety of Waitara residents and people using the road we will put in place temporary safety changes, including temporary speed limits.
The detour route will be closely monitored by traffic management crews and will be adjusted if necessary.
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