People using State Highway 36 (SH36) should plan for overnight closures in the Mangorewa Gorge next week, as well as lane closures on Tauranga Direct Road. Work at Ngongotahā has been extended and is now expected to finish by the end of April.

SH36 Mangorewa Gorge

SH36 between Pyes Pa Road and Hamurana Road will be closed overnight from 8pm to 6am for 2 nights - Tuesday 28 April and Wednesday 29 April (with a Thursday 30 April as a contingency) to complete urgent repairs in the Mangorewa Gorge. Emergency services and resident access will be maintained. Traffic management will be installed from 6pm, with the closure in place from 8pm. 

All traffic will be detoured via SH33 and SH29/SH2/SH30/SH5.

SH36 Tauranga Direct Road - Hauraki Stream Bridge replacement

From next Wednesday 29 April, traffic will be reduced to one lane near the SH36/Hamurana Road intersection (about 1km north) while a culvert is replaced. Shortly afterwards, traffic will be managed under temporary traffic signals and/or stop/go, with lane and shoulder closures and a temporary speed limit of 30km/h as part of the Hauraki Stream Bridge replacement. 

When traffic management is initially installed, it may take a short time to settle while signal timings are adjusted. Minor delays are expected, please allow extra time and follow crew directions.

Lane restrictions are expected to remain in place until construction is complete in early 2027.

SH36 Ngongotahā Road rebuild 

The rebuild between Hood Road and Taui/Hall roads is continuing. Due to weather and scheduling changes, a return to normal traffic flow is now expected by the end of April. On weekdays (Monday 9am to Friday 4:30pm) southbound (Rotorua-bound) traffic will be detoured left onto Wikaraka Road, then right onto Taui Road, rejoining SH36 (left turn only). On weekends (Friday 4:30pm to Monday 9am) the southbound lane open. Side-road access (Taui, Hall, Hood) is left in/left out only. Northbound traffic can remain on SH36, with lane shifts and temporary speed limits in place. Delays are expected, please allow extra time or consider alternative routes.

NZTA thanks everyone in advance for their patience as we work to improve SH36. Please drive to the temporary speed limits and follow all signs and traffic management staff instructions.