A programme of safety improvements involving flexible median barriers and turnaround bays is now complete on SH1 between Cambridge and Piarere.

The project began in 2020, with the aim of reducing deaths and serious injuries on this notoriously dangerous stretch of road.

Stage 1 was completed in December 2020, with 2.5km of flexible median safety barrier installed from south of Fergusson Gully Road.

Stage 2 followed, with the installation of 5.2km of flexible median barrier from an unnamed reserve to 1km north of Maungatautari Road towards Piarere. The remaining 2.5km of flexible median barrier from Keeley’s Reserve through to just past Kentucky Road was completed in June this year.

This month marks the conclusion of Stage 3, which includes 7.9km of flexible median barrier in sections from the end of the Waikato Expressway through to Fergusson Gully Road. This stage also included the construction of five turnaround bays.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi regional manager for infrastructure delivery Jo Wilton said these upgrades, particularly the median barriers, will mean the road will be more forgiving if someone makes a mistake.

“Up to 75% of the people who die or are seriously injured on rural roads have either had a head-on collision or have run off the road.

“With around 12km of median barrier now in place, we have eliminated the risk of head-on collisions on the bulk of this road.”

The final piece of the puzzle is the intersection of SH1/Karāpiro Road.

“Improvements to this intersection will be considered as part of the 2024-27 National Land Transport Programme. We expect to know more after September 2024 and will provide an update to the community then,” Wilton said.

Meanwhile, a four-lane expressway between Cambridge and Piarere has been identified by the Government as a Road of National Significance (RoNS). Pending confirmation of funding (under the 2024-27 NLTP), NZTA will commence early planning for all RoNS by June 2025 and begin construction on some of the RoNS, including Cambridge to Piarere, within the next three years.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi works to create transport solutions for all New Zealanders – from helping new drivers earn their licences, to leading safety campaigns to investing in public transport, state highways and local roads.