Two crucial sections of State Highway 1 are reopening this week, bringing relief to motorists in the central North Island.
The stretch between Ātiamuri and Wairakei is opening this afternoon under temporary traffic management and reduced speed limits. This arrangement will allow the newly laid chipseal to properly bed in before crews complete sweeping and line marking.
According to the NZ Transport Agency, these final works are scheduled for Wednesday, 9 April and Thursday morning, 10 April, with some stop/go traffic management required, weather permitting.
Further north, the section of SH1 between Putāruru and Lichfield is already open to traffic, also with temporary traffic management and reduced speed limits in place. This section is expected to be swept and line marked on Wednesday before being fully reopened.
Both sections are being prepared for full reopening ahead of the 2025 ITM Taupō Super 440 event, which is expected to bring increased traffic to the area.
Motorists are advised to follow all posted speed limits and allow for additional travel time while passing through these sections as work continues.