Stretch of SH3, north Taranaki, to close next month for culvert replacement
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi | 23 Dec 2025 9:10am | Taranaki
A reminder that in a month’s time, a stretch of State Highway 3 in north Taranaki will be closing for culvert replacements.
Culvert replacement work on SH3 in north Taranaki kicks off next month(external link)
Two ageing culverts, Mangapepeke No. 1 and Mangapepeke No. 2 culverts, are among a raft of priority bridge projects being delivered across the country in the coming years. 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.
Early site work began in November while the road has remained open. The most significant excavation is planned for January 2026, when the weather is drier and water levels are low.
As a result, a stretch of State Highway 3 near Ahititi will be closing for 5 days in mid-January.
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 required 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.
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.
A full closure with day and night works allows crews to complete the deep excavation work as efficiently and safely as possible.
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 weather dependent. The backup dates for the road closure are Friday 23 January – Tuesday 27 January 2026.
If you’re travelling over the holiday period or heading to an event, plan ahead. Allow for extra travel time when taking alternative state highways, take regular breaks, and consider sharing the drive to reduce your time in the driver’s seat.
For more information, visit: nzta.govt.nz/sh3-mangapepeke-culvert-replacement(external link)
