Access to Department of Conservation (DOC) sites from State Highway 1's Desert Road will be prohibited from next week, the New Zealand Transport Agency has announced.
The restrictions will affect all access points from SH1 between Waiouru and the junction with State Highway 46, impacting entry to campsites and walking tracks in both Tongariro National Park and Kaimanawa Forest Park that are typically accessed from the Desert Road.
The Transport Agency is also implementing additional restrictions at the SH1/SH46 intersection, which will now only be accessible to residents, marae users, and local businesses. This decision comes after increased traffic through the work zone has been hampering progress and affecting local operations.
"The amount of traffic using this with the idea it would be quicker – or to check out the work in progress – were not only slowing the progress on the site down, but also affecting those businesses who operate in the soft closure area," a Transport Agency spokesperson said.
DOC will be updating their website to ensure visitors can properly plan their outdoor activities.
