REMINDER: Stretch of SH3, north Taranaki, closing this weekend for culvert replacements
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi | 12 Jan 2026 5:23pm | Taranaki
A reminder that a stretch of State Highway 3 in north Taranaki will be closing for culvert replacements this weekend.
Culvert replacement work on SH3 in north Taranaki kicks off next month(external link)
The road between Okau Road in Ahititi and the Uruti Community Hall will fully close for 5 days, from 12.01am Friday 16 January to 11.59pm Tuesday 20 January to allow for the work to take place.
A road closure is essential for the work to go ahead as there will be deep excavation, large open trenches and limited space. Heavy machinery, including a crane, will be positioned on the road. As a result, there is no space for vehicles to pass around or safely through the worksite. We are unable to offer scheduled opening times.
During our works, crews will work 24/7 to fully replace the Mangapepeke No.1 culvert and also install a temporary Bailey bridge at the Mangapepeke No.2 culvert site. This temporary single-lane bridge will allow traffic to keep moving while further construction takes place. Following the closure, stop/go traffic management and delays will continue while the project is completed.
The work is part of a nationwide programme to prioritise the replacement of some ageing bridges and culverts. The replacement of ageing bridges and culverts with new modern structures like this ensures our state highway network remains resilient, reliable, and efficient for road users for years to come.
Some local roads will be resident access only and these are not suitable alternatives for state highway traffic. Road workers will also be positioned in Urenui and Piopio to direct traffic.
Road users need to plan ahead. Consider travelling earlier before the road closure begins or delay travel if you can. The recommended alternative state highways are State Highway 4 or State Highway 1. These highways are suitable for High Productivity Motor Vehicles (HPMV), including freight.
State Highway 43, the Forgotten World Highway, is suitable for cars and light vehicles, but it is narrow and winding, requiring slower speeds and extra care, and it’s not suitable for HPMV. There's also ongoing maintenance, repairs and bridge work with stop/go traffic management this summer. SH4 and SH1 remain the preferred alternative routes during the 5-day closure.
The work is weather dependent. The backup dates for the road closure are Friday 23 January – Tuesday 27 January 2026.
For more information, visit: nzta.govt.nz/sh3-mangapepeke-culvert-replacement(external link)
