Light traffic can turn off into Lake Rd to rejoin SH1 at the Northern Interchange. However heavy vehicles (50 tonnes and over) must use SH1B, including the local road detour around Telephone Rd, and connect to SH1 again at Cambridge or via SH26 into Hamilton.
The detours will be signposted. The Lake Rd detour will add about 10 minutes to travel times, while the freight detour will add up to 15 minutes.
The road works will bring the Ngāruawāhia section up to the same 110km/h standard as neighbouring sections of the expressway and the agency said there was a big push to progress this over the upcoming construction season.
The safety improvements include making side barriers continuous, upgrading some barriers, additional maintenance and turnaround bays for emergency services, shoulder widening and relocating some lighting.
Other ongoing road works at the section include drainage improvements, reshaping and hardening of the median area to limit moisture entering the pavement and prevent further failures, as well as resurfacing.
A final, continuous asphalt surface will complete the repair works, replacing the temporary chip seal and asphalt surfaces which have been in place during earlier temporary repairs and while moisture monitoring was conducted.
The works are expected to be finished in mid-2025 although Waka Kotahi and its contractors are continuing to look at programming and resources to have the work finish earlier.
The Ngāruawāhia section opened in late 2013.
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