SH1 over Mangamukas closed for three days from today for maintenance

State Highway One over the Mangamukas, south of Kaitaia, will be closed during the day for three days from today for maintenance.

Motorists in the Far North may need to make alternative travel plans with State Highway One over the Mangamukas, closed during the day for three days for maintenance.

From today the route over the Mangamukas will be closed during the day for annual maintenance, the New Zealand Transport Agency said.

The works will involve full-width resurfacing of a number of separate areas through the gorge, NZTA Northland system manager, Jacqui Hori-Hoult said.

While the road is closed, crews will carry out other maintenance, including vegetation and drain clearing, cleaning signs and removing rubbish, she said.

To do the work safely and to the highest standard, road crews will close the state highway between Mangamuka and Kaitaia.

A detour will be in place via SH10 adding about 10km to a one way journey from the Pakaraka intersection to Kaitaia.

SH1 will be closed during the day today, tomorrow and Monday, but the work is weather dependant.

"Our crews will start setting up the traffic management from 6am, with the closure effective from 8am until 6pm, with all signage taken down by 8pm daily," Hori-Hoult said.

She urged motorists to plan their journey, allow extra time and follow the detour road signs. Then, when SH1 is reopened, motorists should keep to the posted temporary speed limit to give the new road surface a chance to set.

"The resurfacing has been scheduled this year to avoid any local events, however, we urge anyone travelling to the Northland Field Days in Dargaville this weekend to plan their journey, allow extra time for the detour or travel before or after the SH1 closure times."

The Transport Agency apologised for any inconvenience while it carries out the safety and maintenance work.

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