Upgrades along sections of the former State Highway 1 through Huntly and Taupiri will be in their beginning stages this month.
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi will be funding the work being done to bring the roading up to an “agreed upon” standard, before transferring responsibility back to the council in 2028.
First up on the agenda are surfacing the northbound slip lane exiting Huntly’s main street, and surfacing the intersection of Tainui Bridge Road and Great South Road traffic lights.
Repairs in Taupiri will also be starting, extending from the northern side of Mangawara Bridge, through the two roundabouts and finishing just east of the Orini Road roundabout.
About 4 km of kerb and channel will be replaced, between the Tainui Bridge Road intersection and Huntly Cemetery, and between 580 Great South Road and the Tainui Bridge Road intersection. Footpath repairs will also begin in Taupiri.
Several streetlights are set for renewal. Some streetlights will have their lights replaced while others will be replaced with new poles and lights. Some new streetlight locations are also planned.
These first steps will be taken over the 2026/27 summer and work will continue into 2027. Moving into late 2027 and early 2028, more work will begin with pedestrian safety improvements, changes to intersections, and parking improvements among other changes.
The programme is fully funded by NZTA. Once the improvements have been made to a level agreed upon by the Waikato District Council, council will be transferred responsibility of the roads.
Other Huntly road upgrades are also ongoing. Riverview Road will be closed from Porritt Avenue to Waugh Lane from Friday 23 October to Monday 26 October, 6am to 8pm.
This final stage of the work on Riverview Road includes drainage and stormwater upgrades, kerb and channel renewals, road reconstruction, driveway reinstatements, footpath improvements, and the final chip seal road surface.
By Sarah Morcom
