Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
New Zealand’s most ambitious road maintenance project to rebuild the worst parts of State Highway 1 (SH1) between Tīrau and Waiouru will begin its second construction season on 1 September 2025.
By early 2026, contractors working for NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) will have rebuilt more than 66km, or 27 per cent, of SH1 between Tīrau and Waiouru.The SH1 Tīrau to Waiouru Accelerated Maintenance Project (T2W) completed 49.4km of road rebuilding in the first season between September 2024 and April 2025.
This coming season will see the project complete the final road surfacing on 5 sections, including the Desert Road. Road rebuilds and maintenance will also be completed between Taupō and Tūrangi, and on the edges of Tokoroa and Tīrau townships.
“T2W goes beyond standard road maintenance; it upgrades the worst sections of SH1 to a much higher standard, reducing the need for future disruptions in the areas we’re working on,” says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) Waikato Systems Manager Andrew Oakley.
The T2W project used 24/7 road closures last season to accelerate the work, but Mr Oakley confirmed no 24/7 road closures will be required this season.
Some short nighttime only closures will be needed at Tīrau, between Tokoroa and Ātiamuri and on the Desert Road. There will be no full road closures between Taupō and Tūrangi.
“We’re working closely with our contractor to minimise delays especially on SH1 between Taupō and Tūrangi, where we will have 4 rebuild sites happening,” says Mr Oakley.
Outside of the T2W project, NZTA is also delivering its usual major summer maintenance programme across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty including around 15 road rebuild sites and 20 resurfacing sites from the Coromandel Peninsula to Waiouru, says Mr Oakley.
“Summer is always our busiest season for roadworks,” says Mr Oakley. “Weather and ground temperatures are critical to delivering long-lasting results.”
“We know road works are an inconvenience, and we’d like to thank all our communities and road users in advance for their patience. This work is much needed, and we’re confident you will appreciate the results when it’s complete.”
