Work is tracking well on State Highway 1 between Wairakei and Ātiamuri, with the road set to reopen ahead of the Supercars event next month, according to the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA). However, poor weather forecasted for later this week means completion may be delayed beyond this weekend.
The section will initially open under traffic management for approximately two days to allow the new chipseal to bed in, depending on weather conditions. Line marking will then follow, meaning some disruption will continue after the initial reopening.
This reopening comes just in time for the 2025 ITM Taupō Super 440 event, which will be held at Taupō International Motorsport Park from Friday 11 to Sunday 13 April. The event is expected to draw over 67,000 spectators across three days, exceeding last year's attendance.
"We're expecting to see heavy traffic volumes in and around Taupō over the days of the Supercars Championship," said Andrew Brosnan, Journey Manager for NZTA in the Waikato. "All non-essential maintenance activity will be paused on SH1 and SH5 in the central North Island over this period, however there may be some active work sites with temporary speed limits in place."
Brosnan advised motorists to exercise caution and adhere to posted speed limits. "Anyone travelling on State Highways 1 and 5 through the central North Island should allow plenty of time, and check journey planner for the latest traffic conditions," he added.
For those attending the event, parking at the Motorsport Park will only be accessible via the SH1 Interchange with Centennial Drive, with no access from SH1 onto Broadlands Road. Traffic management systems will be in place to guide vehicles and manage traffic flows.
A park and ride service for ticket holders will also be available at Kaimanawa Reserve on Rifle Range Road, offering an alternative transport option for attendees.
