NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is advising people to expect delays as contractors begin drainage enabling works in preparation for a road rebuild of approximately 1km of SH1 at Towai, with work beginning next Monday 14 July.

The work is estimated to continue through to November 2025, with traffic management in place 24/7 throughout the construction period, from just south of Maromaku-Towai Road to north of Ruapekapeka Road.

Travel delays are expected to be approximately five minutes. Sections of the road will be reduced to a single lane at times, which will require stop/go traffic management. Work will be programmed in sections to help reduce delays, with best efforts to keep the road open to two-way traffic at nights and on weekends.  

Complex works at two specific sites, Towai Road and Ruapekapeka Road intersections, will require prolonged lane closures with stop/go traffic control and 30km/h speed restrictions in place. 

Please check the NZTA Journey Planner for any schedule changes, adhere to the temporary speed limits and allow extra time when planning your journey. 

NZTA thanks everyone for their understanding and support while we carry out this essential maintenance to improve the safety and efficiency of Northland’s state highway network.