Waikato District Council will deliver a programme of NZTA funded works along sections of State Highway 1 through Huntly and Taupiri over the next two summers.
The work will bring the road up to an agreed standard before responsibility for it transfers from NZTA to Council. This formal transfer process, known as revocation, is planned to be completed by 30 June 2028.
Given the scale of the programme, work will be staged across the 2026/27 and 2027/28 summer seasons, beginning October 2026.
Work planned for 2026/27 includes:
- Surfacing repairs on the northbound slip lane exiting Huntly’s main street.
- Surfacing repairs at the intersection of Tainui Bridge Road and Great South Road traffic lights.
- Pavement repairs in Taupiri, extending from the northern side of Mangawara Bridge, through the two roundabouts and finishing just east of the Orini Road roundabout.
- Replacement of approximately 4km of kerb and channel on the western side of the road:
- between the Tainui Bridge Road intersection and Huntly Cemetery
- between 580 Great South Road and the Tainui Bridge Road intersection.
- Streetlight renewals across most of the section proposed for revocation. Lights will be replaced on poles that remain in good condition, while other poles and lights will be replaced. Additional lighting is also planned near the two railway crossings.
Work proposed for the 2027/28 includes:
- Pedestrian safety improvements at the Fletcher Street and Bell Crossing Street railway crossings.
- Changes to the intersection where Great South Road meets the Thermal Explorer Highway, north of Woolworths.
- Improvements near Taupiri urupā to make turning, parking and crossing the road safer.
- Minor improvements near the Tregoweth Lane traffic lights and rail crossing.
- An assessment of the southbound passing lane for safer access to residences.
The programme is fully funded by NZTA and will ensure the road meets the standard agreed for its transfer to Council.
Council will provide further information about construction timing, traffic management and potential disruption as planning progresses.
For any reports of road damage and maintenance request:
- Our Antenno app - find out how to download Antenno here
- Our website Our website
- Email us: info@waidc.govt.nz OR call us on 0800 492 452
The community and road users will be updated by WDC before work begins on our Roadworks and road closures page.
