Month-long lane closure on Cambridge Rd as Tauriko upgrade ramps up

The project aims to improve safety at intersections of SH29 with Redwood Lane, Belk Rd and Cambridge Rd, enable housing development within Tauriko West, support further development of Tauriko Business Estate, protect freight routes and improve access to public transport. Photo / Brydie Thompson

A major upgrade of the SH29/Cambridge Road intersection has triggered a month‑long northbound lane closure.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has ramped up construction works as part of its ‘Super January’ push to advance the Tauriko Enabling Works project.

Infrastructure delivery acting regional manager Darryl Coalter said the approach would include removing temporary sheet piles, earthworks, relocating utilities, road construction and resurfacing.

“To do this safely, we’ll need to close a short section of the northbound lane on Cambridge Rd, from the SH29 intersection to 579 Cambridge Rd.”

The closure was put in place on January 3, and was expected to be in place until early February.

“All Bethlehem-bound vehicles will need to detour via SH29 Takitimu Drive Toll Rd or SH29A and Cameron Rd. The southbound lane will remain open,” Coalter said.

“We appreciate this would cause some disruption, so we’re committed to working extended hours to minimise the overall impact. This short-term inconvenience will mean less disruptions in the future.”

Work would take place seven days a week, with some extended shifts (7am to 12am) and night works (6pm to 5am).

The intersection upgrade began in late 2024 with construction of a 210-metre retaining wall, supported by temporary sheet piles.

The first stage of sheet pile removal is already underway behind safety barriers with no traffic impact.

In early January, removal would continue in the narrower section of Cambridge Rd, requiring the lane closure.

Once January works were complete, Coalter said the team would focus on road widening and pavement construction.

He said the full upgrade would deliver a safer, more efficient intersection for all road users, with completion expected in 2027.

What you need to know:

Cambridge Rd northbound lane 24/7 closure from Saturday, January 3, and reopens early February, ahead of the school year commencing.

Northbound detour: Bethlehem-bound traffic via SH29 Takitimu Drive Toll Rd (adds 15 mins, toll applies) or SH29A/Cameron Road (adds 22 mins, free route).

Cambridge Rd southbound lane: Remains open.

Cambridge Rd right-turn bay closure: Cambridge Rd to SH29 – Kaimai Range/Hamilton-bound traffic must turn left onto SH29, then use SH29/SH36 roundabout to change direction.

Temporary speed limits: 60km/h on SH29 approaches; 30km/h on Cambridge Rd near the work site.

Resident access: Via detours; vehicles exiting driveways within the closure must turn left onto SH29 and follow the detour.