The New Plymouth mayor has labelled plans to close State Highway 3 in North Taranaki in January “unacceptable”, warning it will seriously impact businesses and disrupt visitors and residents travelling at a critical time of year.
New Zealand Transport Agency plans to close the road between Okau Rd in Ahititi and the Uruti Community Hall between January 16 and 20, so crews can replace ageing bridges and culverts.
Mayor Max Brough questioned the timing of the work.
“This road is a lifeline for local businesses who are doing it tough currently and the holiday season is crucial to them.
“This planned closure on top of other closures are compounding a perennial problem, and a long-term solution is required for the whole corridor north.
“When decisions like this are made behind closed doors, it sends a message that local voices don’t matter and treats our community like second-class citizens.”
Brough believed NZTA should pay compensation to local businesses impacted by such decisions.
“This isn’t about opposing progress – it’s about doing it the right way.
“Upgrades and maintenance can be done by working with and listening to those affected, as well as keeping our economy moving at the same time. That’s what good partnership looks like.”
Almost 3000 vehicles typically travelled SH3 every day and one fifth of them were heavy vehicles, mainly freight.
Project manager Kendra Ludeke said Waka Kotahi knew how crucial SH3 was for connecting Taranaki to Waikato.
“We do not take the decision to close lightly and we have explored ways to minimise the disruption of this work. We know the community will be impacted.
“The culverts need to be replaced while the weather is warmer and drier. We’re keeping clear of the Christmas and immediate New Year break, while also making sure we’re staying clear of the school term,” Ludeke said.
“We expect temporary traffic management to be in place at Urenui and Piopio to help direct freight and general road users during the closure. Access for residents and holiday travel will be maintained by crews on site, however, no vehicles will be able to pass through the culvert worksites during the five-day closure.
“Unlike previous SH3 closures, we are not able to offer scheduled opening times during the five-day road closure to let traffic through, due to the extent of the excavation work required – the hole left by one of the removed culverts will be as long as a netball court.”
Ludeke said NZTA knew this closure followed recent wet weather disruption, however, it was necessary.
The culvert replacements were among a raft of priority bridge projects being delivered across the country in the coming years.
The work would ensure the state highway network remained resilient, reliable, and efficient.
The work is expected to take around five months, starting with enabling works in late November. The most significant excavation is planned for January 2026.
During the closure, crews would work 24/7 to fully replace the Mangapepeke No 1 culvert and install a temporary Bailey bridge at the Mangapepeke No 2 culvert site. This temporary single-lane bridge would allow traffic to keep moving while further construction work took place.
“The two culverts on SH3 near Ahititi are almost a kilometre apart. By the end of the closure period, people will see a fully replaced No 1 culvert and bulk excavation completed with a single Bailey bridge temporarily installed at the No. 2 culvert,” Ludeke said.
By announcing the work now, NZTA was ensuring those who would be affected could plan ahead, she said.
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