The reopening of State Highway 11 (SH11) Paihia was delayed by two hours this morning following complications encountered during road rebuilding work last night.

SH11 (between the intersections of Retreat Bay Lane and Binnie Street) re-opened under stop/go traffic management at 8am, rather than 6am as expected.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) apologies for the disruption this caused road users and businesses during such a busy time of day.

During construction, our team encountered unexpected ground conditions and were unable to install asphalt across the entire repair area as originally planned.

To ensure the road is repaired safely and to a lasting standard, a different methodology is needed to address the poor underlaying material. Crews are working hard to minimise disruption and complete the work as quickly as possible while maintaining safety and quality.

Reminder that the road is fully closed between 8pm and 6am, excluding Friday and Saturday nights for the next 11 nights. Work is still scheduled to finish on Friday 23 October.

During the daytime works, road users should allow up to 10 minutes extra travel time and follow all traffic management in place. A temporary speed limit of 30km/h will apply through the work site.

During the night works, SH11 will be closed between Tohitapu Road and Binnie Street, with traffic detoured via SH1 Kawakawa, SH10 Pakaraka and SH11 Haruru. The reverse route will apply for southbound traffic. (Note the detour could add up to 50 minutes to journeys.)

Convoys will be escorted through the road rebuild site around 10.30pm each night for local residents returning home after work, including those arriving on the last passenger ferry from Russell. A single escorted pass will be provided in each direction. Please allow up to 15 minutes.

The work is weather dependent and may be postponed if conditions are unsuitable. For the latest information, including any weather-related changes, visit the NZTA Journey Planner.

NZTA thanks everyone for their understanding and patience while we carry out this essential maintenance.

For enquiries, call NZTA on 0800 44 44 49 or email info@nzta.govt.nz.